EDUTechLab: Education without borders

In the village of Cărpineni—a quiet place in Moldova—a ray of hope has brightened the lives of dozens of children from Ukraine—Our EDUTechLab Centre. This centre in the "Dumitru Crețu" Gymnasium has opened new horizons for these children, giving them access to quality education, even far from home.

In their temporary shelter, these children, eager for knowledge, faced an invisible barrier: an unstable internet connection. Each attempt to participate in online lessons was a battle against the clock, often interrupted by unexpected disconnections. In a space where every megabit counts, their desire to learn beats against the limits of technology.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Ministry of Education and Research, in partnership with UNICEF and People in Need, a new chapter has begun for these children in Cărpineni. The EDUTechLab in the "Dumitru Crețu" Gymnasium gave children a chance to reconnect with the world of knowledge, participate in interactive lessons and build their future with confidence.

In the classroom, we meet Eva, a six-year-old girl who attends online lessons with her mother. Her family, originally from Kherson, Ukraine, found shelter in Moldova two years ago. Thanks to EDUTechLab, all five children in the family are able to attend school, keeping in touch with the education system inUkraine. For Eva's mother, this initiative is a breath of fresh air—proof that even in the most difficult circumstances, education remains a priority.

In a quiet corner of the lab, next to Eva, sit Omar, Dalia, Hamdan, Yara and Leamis—refugees from Palestine. They lean their heads over the keyboard. With their eyes glued to the screens, they eagerly absorb the knowledge imparted by teachers from across the border.

Soon, Ramina and Emir, two Roma siblings, will also arrive, ready to join the other children on this journey of knowledge. The wonder of online education is precisely this ability to bring children of different ages and backgrounds together under one roof, giving them all the chance to learn and grow together.

In a world marked by conflict, EDUTechLab is a haven of peace and understanding. Here, 24 children, united by a desire to learn, are building a better future together. At the helm of this ship of learning is Oxana Duja-Elastal, a woman with an impressive life story. Originally from Ukraine, with Palestinian roots, she has lived the refugee drama first-hand and now dedicates her time and energy to helping other children build their future.

For Oxana, this classroom is more than just a learning space. It is a place where children feel safe, find friends, and develop their potential. Proud of the donors' achievements, she tells us about their efforts to equip the classroom with everything the children need. Every computer, every tablet, every new chair is a promise of a better future.

In the context of the current crisis, EDUTechLab offers refugee children from Ukraine access to quality education tailored to their needs and facilitates their integration into the Moldovan education system.

What EDUTechLab offers:

• Tailored online education: Children follow courses according to the Ukrainian curriculum, with the support of specialized facilitators and access to modern educational platforms.
• A variety of teaching resources: Textbooks, books and digital resources tailored to the needs of Ukrainian students.
• Extra-curricular activities: Activities to develop creativity, curiosity, and team spirit.
• Psychosocial support: psychological counselling and social assistance for families to help them adapt.

Why choose EDUTechLab:

• Educational quality: Meeting Ukrainian educational standards in a stimulating environment.
• Flexibility: The programme adapts to the individual needs of each child.
• Social integration: Opportunities for interaction and development of social skills.
• Strong partnerships: Collaboration with institutions in Ukraine and Moldova for a smooth transition.

Enrol your child in the EDUTechLab programme and give them a better future!