Launching the EmpowerED Program: 40 teachers from 7 schools will be trained in advanced technologies for 21st-century education

The Foundation for Advancement of Moldova announces the launch of the EmpowerED program, a teacher training initiative in seven Model Schools, to be held from August 20 to 30, 2025. The program is part of the “Model Schools” project, funded by the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), which supports the modernization of educational infrastructure across schools in the Republic of Moldova.

Over nine days, 40 teachers of mathematics, physics, computer science, technology education, biology, and geography will strengthen their technical skills through five training modules:

• Use of drones in STEM/STEAM education
• 3D modeling and printing
• Educational robotics with LEGO Education SPIKE
• Creative engineering through practical projects with Microbit and Arduino
• Exploring scientific phenomena with GLOBISENS

The first training session, on August 20, will introduce teachers to 3D printers and 3D modeling. Using these tools, teachers will guide students in creating various objects with specialized software. Another key theme is the exploration of scientific phenomena with GLOBISENS, an innovative educational system that uses sensors to understand physics concepts in real time, enabling students to learn through hands-on research. The final component of the training will focus on creative engineering through practical projects with Microbit, an educational microcomputer that enables programming and the development of interactive projects. Through these technologies, students will combine programming, electronics, and design to solve practical problems with innovative and creative solutions.

“The EmpowerED program is a natural continuation of our commitment to invest in the education of the future and in preparing the professions of tomorrow. For many years we have supported equipping schools with modern tools and promoting the internationalization of universities, and to date, we have invested over $1 million, to transform the education system into one that is more innovative and better aligned with global standards”, stated Stella Jemna, Country Representative of UMAEF.

After the completion of teacher training and once renovation works are finalized, the equipment introduced during the training will be delivered. To ensure optimal use of these technologies, personalized mentoring sessions will be organized, tailored to the specific needs of each institution and the technical particularities of the equipment installed. This approach will ensure the efficient integration of new technologies into the educational process.

The “Model Schools” project involves eight schools from the following regions of the country: Briceni, Drochia, Șoldănești, Ștefan Vodă, Taraclia, Ialoveni, Orhei, and Ceadîr-Lunga. Five of these schools will benefit from the establishment of fully equipped FabLabs, while three others will have their facilities renovated. The state-of-the-art educational equipment to be integrated includes professional 3D printers, educational drones, robotics kits, creative engineering tools such as Microbit and Arduino, laser cutters, and GLOBISENS scientific monitoring systems.