World Vision leads efforts to strengthen protection systems for Moldovan and Ukrainian children
Chisinau, Moldova – World Vision hosted a key discussion on “Empowering Schools: Child Protection and Safeguarding for Children and Adolescents from Moldova and Ukraine,” bringing together experts and stakeholders to reinforce child protection in education. The event highlighted best practices and strategies to enhance safeguarding measures, ensuring safer learning environments for children.
During the event, experts from various sectors shared their insights, including Corina Lungu, Head of the Department of Policies in General Education at the Ministry of Education and Research; Vasile Coroi, Children’s Rights Ombudsman; Virginia Rusnac, Doctor of Psychology and University Lecturer, Director of the Regional Psychological Assistance Center (CRAP) within the Ministry of Education and Research; and Arina Zîcu, Executive Director of the Information and Documentation Center on Children’s Rights of Moldova (CIDDC). Their contributions underscored the urgency of strengthening child protection mechanisms within the educational system.
Discussions focused on several critical areas of action, including updating the legal framework to enhance child safety, continuous training for educational staff, integrating child protection measures into school curricula, and providing methodological support for teachers and institutions. The event also emphasised the importance of community and parental involvement, systematic monitoring and evaluation of policies, international collaboration for best practices, and responsible media engagement in child protection efforts.
At World Vision, we are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
“The Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova welcomes the results achieved within this project and expresses its gratitude for these accomplishments. Ensuring the continuity of such initiatives is essential to safeguarding children in the educational field,” said Corina Lungu.
The event was part of a broader initiative funded by the Disaster Emergency Committee and Plan International Moldova, implemented by World Vision in partnership with the Child Rights Information Centre (CRIC), the Ministry of Education and Research (MER), and the Local Specialised Education Authorities (OLSDÎ) from Balti, Causeni, and Edinet.
Key activities within the project included training educational staff, conducting a comparative analysis of child protection policies, organising workshops and training sessions, and presenting case studies and good practices from participating educational institutions.
“At World Vision, we are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a safe and supportive learning environment,” said Michel Gerges, World Vision’s Operations Director in Moldova.
“This initiative is a crucial step in strengthening child protection systems in Moldova, equipping educators, communities, and policymakers with the tools needed to safeguard children’s rights. By working together, we can create lasting change and ensure that no child is left vulnerable,” he added.
The final recommendations from these activities have been submitted to the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, ensuring ongoing progress in strengthening child protection measures across the country.
Story and photos by Cristina Lelic, Moldova Operations Team