Moldova’s TVET Schools drive the green transition

CHISINAU (ILO News) -- Since its launch in spring 2025, EcoImpact has brought together 48 TVET institutions, nearly 60 per cent of Moldova's network, to test and scale green solutions on campus.

The initiative is part of the ILO project "Skills for an Environmentally Sustainable Transition in Moldova", funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED). It combines training, peer learning and small grants to help schools implement environmental projects.

Following evaluation, 11 projects received financial and technical support for the design and implementation of environmentally sustainable initiatives, training programmes, to introduce green infrastructure, and build partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, and communities around environmental issues.

EcoImpact projects show how education and innovation can drive real change:

• Energy efficiency at TVET School No. 5 in Bălți, where students conduct energy audits and manage smart lighting systems.
• A new EcoHub at the Polytechnic College of Bălți, offering hands-on workshops on recycling, renewable energy, and biodiversity.
• A composting platform in Țaul, Bubuieci and Briceni turning organic waste into fertilizer for greenhouses.
• Rainwater harvesting at TVET School No. 4 in Bălți, reducing potable water consumption by 20%, and a plastic reduction system at A. Mateevici College.
• A student-run eco-enterprise in Căușeni, producing sustainable products.
• Waste-sorting stations at the Centre of Excellence in Construction and a new curriculum module on Circular Economy at the Centre of Excellence in Economics and Finance.

In total, the EcoImpact initiative has involved more than 8,000 students, teachers, and community members, strengthening green skills, practical learning, and environmental awareness across six regions.

The EcoImpact Gala, held on 17 March 2026 at Digital Park in Chișinău, was the flagship event recognising the achievements of participating institutions. The event gathered representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Environment, development partners, teachers, students, and community stakeholders.

Beyond celebrating results, the Gala provided a platform for reflection and dialogue on how green practices can be scaled across Moldova's TVET system. With more than 8,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries and over 25 partner organisations, EcoImpact has demonstrated how sustainability can be learned-and taught-through practice.

EcoImpact has shown that when young people are trusted to act, they can drive real change.

As ILO National Project Coordinator Vera Chilari noted, "EcoImpact has shown that when young people are trusted to act, they can drive real change."

Building on this momentum, the ILO and partners will continue to support and expand EcoImpact initiatives, contributing to Moldova's broader transition toward a sustainable and green economy.