Moldova

The projects of the Pestalozzi Children's Foundation in Moldova concentrate on providing education for disabled children with special needs and on facilitating Roma children's access to schooling, help with homework and leisure activities. A third focus is placed on intercultural youth work and education that promote tolerance and open-mindedness among adolescents, thus enabling them to build the foundation for peaceful cohabitation.

Marginalisation in school

The education system of pre-independent Moldova was characterised by conformism and marginalisation. All children went to the same school, and whoever was unable to follow classes – for whatever reason, psychological or physical – was placed in a special school or in an institution. And just like in many other East European countries, Roma were on the bottom of the social ladder. In schools, Roma children and adolescents are still rejected and neglected.

Moldova is probably Europe's poorest country. With an average monthly income of just 260 francs its per capita income is similar to that of Sudan. Whoever has the opportunity to leave the country, leaves. A quarter of the work force lives and works abroad, among them highly qualified scientists and academics.

As a result of Moldova's difficult financial situation, the situation in the education sector is dire. Far-reaching reforms of the outdated structures still remain to be carried out. There is not enough money to provide books, work shops and technical equipment. In view of this situation, foreign assistance in form of teacher training, transfer of language teachers etc. is very welcome and in fact an important precondition for the continuity of work.