One in two technical vocational education institutions in Moldova now hosts an EduLIFE classroom, where young people prepare for life and career.
More than 25,000 students from 35 technical vocational institutions in 12 districts and the municipality of Chisinau study in EduLIFE classrooms — modern, youth-friendly learning spaces. In these classrooms, established in every second technical school in the country, young people learn about values, mental health, reproductive health, prevention of gender-based violence, and career planning through training in negotiation, communication, CV writing, and other essential life skills.
“Each of these spaces represents more than just a classroom. They mark a shift in vision — toward schools that shape not only professionals but also people with values, confidence, and courage. We have consistently invested in modernizing educational institutions and will continue to prioritize them in the coming period. Our goal is that every young person graduating from a vocational school leaves with both a profession and a set of life skills,” said Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova.
To provide students with a modern and inclusive learning environment, EduLIFE classrooms feature youth-friendly furniture, modern IT tools, and interactive learning materials that transform education into an engaging, hands-on experience supporting both personal and professional growth.
The total investment amounts to approximately 4 million lei, of which 3 million lei equip the 35 EduLIFE classrooms with furniture, IT equipment, and educational resources, while vocational institutions contribute 1 million lei to renovate the spaces.
“Our partnership demonstrates a commitment to young people in Moldova — showing that education and employment can go hand in hand. The Austrian Development Agency focuses on three main pillars: investing in vocational education institutions, connecting education with the business sector to bridge the gap with the labor market, and involving students and communities to create inclusive learning environments that empower young people to build their future,” highlighted Bernd Brünner, General Director of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
“The EduLIFE classroom is not just a project, but a vision for the future — one where the success of young people depends not on finding work abroad, but on their contribution to their school, community, and the country’s development. Every young person who chooses to stay, create, and inspire others paves the way toward a stronger and more European future for Moldova,” stated Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Representative in the Republic of Moldova.
The program supports not only modernized educational infrastructure but also teacher training. Teachers of the subject “Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle” receive training through an accredited program that promotes interactive methods and pedagogical excellence.
“The EduLIFE classroom inspires, motivates, and helps us learn with joy and confidence. It’s not just a modern room — it’s a place where every student is heard and encouraged to believe in themselves. Here we learn what life education truly means — to have a voice, courage, and motivation. We are grateful to all who believe in us and prepare us for a better future,” said Loredana Sclifos, student at Vocational School No. 5.
The program pays special attention to girls and young women, who often face barriers to education and employment. Each year, more than 1,200 adolescent girls become mothers — mostly in rural areas — which limits their access to the labor market and perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence.
Through this integrated approach, EduLIFE classrooms become spaces where young people discover their voice, confidence, and life skills, taking steady steps toward independence and a fairer future.
UNFPA in Moldova, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), established EduLIFE classrooms under the program “Connecting Youth to the Labor Market through Life Skills Development,” which supports the modernization of technical vocational education and helps young people transition successfully to adult and independent life.