More funding for local adult learning programmes available in Moldova

Thanks to the inclusion of adult education in the National Code of Education, there are now more opportunities to finance learning at the local level. However, steps need to be taken to address efficient policy implementation and to encourage adults to participate in learning.

New policy developments support adult learning and education

According to an EAEA member from Moldova Pro Didactica, adult learning is considered important by policymakers, which is reflected by ALE policies: they promote inclusive and accessible adult education, social cohesion, democratic participation and/or well-being. They also respond to labour market needs as well as societal challenges, such as digital and green transition. To answer these challenges, Pro Didactica is currently developing a training programme on green skills and is also professionalising in the area of digital pedagogy. The EAEA member in Moldova also has a positive view of the involvement of learners and civil society in policy-making.

A few positive changes took place over the past year to further adult learning and education. One key development is the inclusion of adult education in the National Code of Education, which means that local public authorities can plan and allocate funding sources for this purpose. Additionally, more national programmes have been launched for certain target groups. That said, sources of funding for adult learning and education in Moldova remain limited; adult learning programmes are mostly financed by project funding and/or individuals.

“One key development is the inclusion of adult education in the National Code of Education, which means that local public authorities can plan and allocate funding sources for this purpose.”

Key sources for ALE funding in Moldova

• Project funding
• Programme funding
• Fees paid by individuals
• Donations and other philanthropic funding

Participation in ALE is still low

According to EAEA's member in Moldova Pro Didactica, adult learning is an important topic on the policymakers’ and civil society's agenda. However, problems persist: adult learning concerns mostly professionalisation, lacks funding and is characterised by low participation in education and learning.

Top recommendations to advance adult learning in Moldova

• To ensure an efficient process of policy implementation
• To launch a campaign promoting adult learning and education to increase the adult's participation.
• To identify mechanisms for ALE financing.
• To receive EU support for Eastern European countries

EU policy matters

EAEA member in Moldova hopes that the European Education Area will include Eastern European countries such as those that are currently EU candidate countries. This would be key to following European values and becoming more democratic, resilient and well-prepared for any challenges.