Supporting education in times of crisis: EDUTech labs provide opportunities in Moldova for refugee students from Ukraine

Russia's war in Ukraine has forced millions of people to flee and seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Russia's invasion has devastated the educational process, denying millions of students access to school and causing widespread material destruction.

Both the children who remained in Ukraine, exposed to frequent attacks, and those who had to leave their homeland have profoundly felt the effects of this tragedy. Their parents have had to look for solutions to ensure their children a quality education in a safe environment.

Among them was Olena Salagor, a Ukrainian refugee from Odesa, who, together with her daughter Olexandra, found temporary refuge in Moldova. In search of a better future, Olena enrolled Olexandra in one of our EDUTech labs. This educational initiative offers unique learning opportunities tailored to the needs of each student.

Their arrival in Moldova marked a turning point in the life of the Salagor family. Adapting to a new culture and a different education system was challenging. However, with the help of the local community and educational institutions, they gradually managed to integrate.

EDUTech labs have become an effective approach to addressing the needs of Ukrainian kids in Moldova.

Although the war brought destruction and suffering, Olena found a new beginning for Olexandra in Moldova. Our EDUTech labs have been a real life-changer, offering her not only educational opportunities but also a supportive and friendly environment.

The Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with UNICEF and partnership with People in Need, continues to facilitate the enrollment of Ukrainian students in EDUTech labs in Moldovan schools. EDUTech implements online learning according to the Ukrainian curriculum. In EDUTech labs, students enjoy access to online learning platforms during school hours; extra-curricular activities are offered during the second half of the day under the supervision of trained facilitators.

The EDUTech Labs are not just a place for formal learning; they also provide opportunities for non-formal education, including language courses, digital skills development, and various educational and recreational activities.

The launch of the EDUTech Labs was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Government of the United Kingdom, the Government of Italy and the United Nations Global Fund for Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises (ECW), in the context of the emergency response to the refugee crisis in Ukraine.