Ensuring high-quality education: the case of the ukraine refugees’ children in the Republic of Moldova [Articol]

Abstract

A large number of Ukrainians are now refugees due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Republic of Moldova was and still is the main transit for Ukrainian refugees as well as it hosts a considerable number of Ukrainian refugees. UNHCR claims that, since the full-scale invasion, 118,750 Ukrainian refugees have chosen to remain in Moldova of whom 58% are females, 44% are children, and an estimated 19% are older persons (UNHCR 2024a). One of the most important demands of refugees´ children is education. Although Moldovan authorities set up some measures to foster Ukrainian children’s access to local schools, only 2,314 were enrolled in schools, out of the approximately 37,000 school-age refugees living in the Republic of Moldova, according to the data from the Ministry of Education (MEC 2024a). In addition to ministry measures to foster access and quality education for Ukrainian refugee children, several local NGOs came together to assist in response to the rise in the number of child refugees. However, there are significant difficulties that refugee children in Moldova face in accessing education and benefiting from high-quality education, due to which the current master’s thesis is proposed. Therefore, this study intends to advance knowledge of the variables affecting the effective delivery of high-quality education to children who are refugees. For this reason, the qualitative methodology was used, involving field notes, and interviews serving as the main data sources. Although the study’s findings showed difficulties in obtaining a high-quality education, the research held significance as it illuminates the elements that may serve as a foundation for finding solutions to tackle the issues. The curriculum that was put in place at the school helped the Ukrainian refugee children adjust to life in Moldova and gave them a sense of cultural significance. This study provides a distinct viewpoint on the current circumstances surrounding Ukrainian refugee children studying in Moldova, which will help to advance information on the issue of excellent education for these children. gave them a sense of cultural significance. This study provides a distinct viewpoint on the current circumstances surrounding Ukrainian refugee children studying in Moldova, which will help to advance information on the issue of excellent education for these children.