The kick-off conference of InnoSchool, conducted in Ungheni, on 30th of October 2018, is the first event of the project„InnoSchool - Strengthening social innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of secondary schools’ students by using highly innovative Learning System” in the Republic of Moldova.

The event has been attended by over 100 students from high schools, vocational schools and colleges from Ungheni, school principals and teachers, representatives of local public authorities, civil society organisations and mass-media.

“In our country, the project will be implemented in Ungheni region and will involve 200 students from 10 educational institutions. This project proposes an innovative learning system focused on developing entrepreneurial skills, through a synergy between traditional and new teaching methods, through digital activities, on-line socialisation and interschool competitions. Afterwards, this methodology will be transferred to other regions”, stated Iulia Pancu, Head of Ungheni Education Directorate.

Alexandru Ambros, Mayor of Ungheni, expressed his support for this initiative, mentioning that InnoSchool will touch upon the need for change in developing an entrepreneurial culture, stimulating the involvement and social innovation among young people. He also advised young people to be “the best” in what they do, he asked them to become responsible citizens, capable of contributing to the welfare of their community.

The representatives of JCI Ungheni, Dionisie Ternovschi and Andrian Cheptonar, participants to the event, have inspired the youth and advised them to make use of existing opportunities, to be creative and innovative, and to have the courage to apply their ideas in practice.  

„We believe that our involvement is imperative. We are capable to notice what happens in our community and to contribute to generating innovative ideas in order to change things for better. The activities of the InnoSchool project will help us understand the principles of social businesses and to apply them in order to solve certain social and environmental issues”, mentioned Tiberius Toma, student at Ungheni Medical College.

„InnoSchool - Strengthening social innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of secondary schools’ students by using highly innovative Learning System” is the result of a joint effort of capitalizing the expertise of 11 partners from the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Hungary and the Republic of Moldova.

The project will include workshops, public consultations and joint actions with decision making bodies. Special attention will be given to piloting an innovative learning system in 9 countries, 10 schools per country, with a target group of 1800 students. Later on, 9 Action Plans will be developed in order to adjust the curricula in the participating countries to the pilot. These Action plans are the pillars for InnoSchool sustainability and transferability.