Ten modern minibuses donated to Moldovan schools with the financial support of the EU

Ten schools in Moldova will begin the next school year with new, modern, and safe minibuses. The European Union enabled the purchase of the minibuses through the project “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. The total investment amounts to over 632,000 euros. 

The vehicles are designed to meet the most advanced safety and comfort standards. Each minibus has 14 seats, including two reserved for students in wheelchairs, and special ramps so that children with disabilities can safely enter and exit the vehicle. 

The minibuses are equipped with advanced stability control systems, video cameras for monitoring, special rearview mirrors, automatic door-closing systems while driving, automatic steps for boarding and exiting, and doors that comply with standards. The vehicles have air conditioners for passengers and the driver, as well as first aid kits and fire extinguishers. 

The minibuses will transport students from villages with no schools, ensuring their access to education. The vehicles will also transport students to extracurricular activities, such as performances, trips, and other educational events. 

The handover event took place on 10 July 2025, in the Great National Assembly Square, Chișinău. The heads of local education authorities from the districts of Cantemir, Criuleni, Leova, Nisporeni, Sîngerei, Soldănești, Ștefan-Vodă, Călărași, Drochia, and Căușeni received the keys to the minibuses in a symbolic ceremony. 

The Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, underlined: “These minibuses are about more than transportation, they are about safety, equity and access. We want an education system where every child in Moldova can get to school in good conditions, whether they live in a small village or a big city. The modern minibuses we are offering today are an important step in this direction.” 

The Chargé d’Affairs of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Máté Csicsai, says: “The European Union is a strong supporter of quality education in the Republic of Moldova. We work hand in hand with the Ministry of Education and Research to make sure no child is left behind. The supply of these 10 school minibuses will contribute to equitable access to education opportunities for all, as part of a wider plan for the modernisation of the national school network. Investment in children is an investment in Moldova’s future – as part of the European family.” 

“Students in rural areas rely on transportation to reach schools. Currently, around 490 school buses operate across Moldova, transporting girls and boys to school every day. This figure underscores the importance of expanding and modernizing the school bus fleet. That’s why today’s handover is so important. These modern, wheelchair accessible minibuses are not just vehicles, they are enablers of inclusion, equity, and opportunity,” said UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova, Daniela Gasparikova. 

The project “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It has a total budget of €10 million and is being implemented from 2024 to 2027. Ten of the 90 future model schools are supported by the EU and UNDP. In these institutions, the renovation of physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories is underway, and training is being provided to teachers and managers to strengthen their professional skills. 

Moreover, as of September, the project will provide access to a modern fleet management system for around 500 school transport units. This will allow for more efficient management and optimal use of school transportation. 

The project also aims to strengthen the connection between schools and the labor market. To this end, several career guidance activities will be organized to help students better understand their prospects after graduation and prepare for their future careers. The European Union and UNDP will also support the development and piloting of a national digital skills programme for adults.