With the support of the Government of the United Kingdom, 65 Resource Centres within early childhood education institutions will have sensory spaces for learning, exploration and inclusion
Strășeni, 29 May 2026. Throughout June, UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Institute for Early Childhood Intervention “Voinicel”, with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom, will equip 65 Resource Centres within early childhood education institutions with outdoor sensory installations. These are designed to support children’s inclusion and emotional, social and sensory development through play, exploration and direct contact with nature. The inauguration event took place at Early Childhood Education Institution No. 5 “Poienița Veselă” in Strășeni.
The event brought together over 100 children, parents and grandparents, alongside representatives of public authorities and specialists in education and social protection.
The new sensory installations provide children with a friendly space for outdoor exploration, play and learning. Through interactive activities, children are encouraged to develop their communication skills, autonomy, relationships with others and confidence in their own abilities.
In addition to the installation of sensory spaces, the partnership includes mentoring and direct support in the Resource Centres, as well as parenting education, social integration and community cohesion activities, carried out with the involvement of specialists in health, education and social protection. These activities are part of a broader effort to create, from the earliest years of life, more inclusive environments that are closer to children’s needs.
Specialist teams will work with children at risk in their natural development environment and support families through community-based interventions and social integration activities. At regional level, community cohesion activities for children and parents will also be organized, with the involvement of local public authorities and community specialists.
The activities will take place in several districts and municipalities, including Bălți, Edineț, Rîșcani, Fălești, Cahul, Ungheni, Strășeni and Chișinău municipality.
“Every child has the right to an educational environment that supports their development, curiosity and well-being. Such sensory spaces contribute to children’s emotional, social and cognitive development through play, exploration and interaction, and help us build early childhood education that is more inclusive, more child-friendly and closer to the real needs of every child,” said Marcelina Baleca, Head of the General Education Policy Department at the Ministry of Education and Research.
“Quality and inclusive early childhood education begins with safe, friendly environments adapted to the needs of every child. The first years of life are among the most important stages in a child’s development, when the foundations for learning, health, relationships and long-term well-being are formed. That is why it is essential for every child to have access to spaces that encourage exploration, play, interaction and a sense of belonging, in an environment that respects their pace and uniqueness,” said Galina Bulat, Education Specialist, UNICEF Moldova.
“Our kindergarten is attended by 190 children, 7 of whom have special educational needs. This motivates us even more to develop an inclusive, safe and friendly educational environment. Through the installation of the sensory equipment and the activities carried out within the Resource Centre, we aim to provide all children with opportunities to learn through play, exploration and interaction, contributing to their sensory, emotional and social development. At the same time, this space will support educators and families in promoting inclusion and the active participation of every child in the community,” said Maria Miron, Director of Early Childhood Education Institution No. 5 “Poienița Veselă” in Strășeni.
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