Maia Sandu, the president of the Republic of Moldova, ex-Minister of Education, gave a speech during the second edition of the National Forum of Teaching Staff, emphasizing that it is encouraging that this initiative has become a tradition, “especially that discussions about education are always welcome in a time of transformations that we have to keep up with – transformations in the sciences, social, politics”, informs TRIBUNA. 

The official said that “it is not enough to talk about the merits of teachers, we must do more for them”, and her plan for education cannot be done in a day, but it is as clear as can be.

“Every time we do an action in education, we know that more is needed. But we start from the reality we live in and we know where we are going. We still have a long way to go to get where we want to be. And what I want is both ambitious and natural at the same time. I wish that Moldovan teachers don’t think about papers. Don’t think about the salary. To think about the children in the class. And I wish that all children in Moldova think of teachers with respect and enter school with the joy of discovery and with the awareness of their own responsibility. We cannot divide education into two – book at school and good upbringing at home. They are indivisible. School is more than academic knowledge.  Teachers can break or mold character, stifle or develop a child’s potential. I said teachers can, because that’s a power—an enormous power—that comes with an enormous responsibility. I know you are aware of the impact on some destinies.  And I believe that you should not be left alone in this mission – everyone – the family, the community, the state must work in a joint effort to create a healthy and suitable environment for learning and for the development of values”, said the politician.

At the same time, Maia Sandu asked the teachers to help ensure peace and democracy in the future.

“Because this is what our European way means. The referendum and accession to the European Union (EU) is not political.  It is the chance to protect our country and the chance for our children to have the same rights and opportunities as a German, French or Polish citizen in 10 years. Some will try to take us back. Please help us move Moldova forward. Where we talk about schools and students instead of keeping them safe from bombs in basements. Where the funding per student is 10 times higher than in Moldova today and teachers’ salaries are commensurate with the effort they make”, the head of state emphasized.