UNICEF donated a batch of computing equipment for students and teachers

Chisinau, July 22, 2020. UNICEF, with the support of the Global Partnership for Education, provided today a batch of 105 computing devices[1], totaling over 700,000 lei, to be made available to students and teachers through digital libraries across the country’s districts. These computers are intended for teachers and children who need the most support, with inclusion and equity being the core principles behind all educational interventions in response to COVID-19 challenges.

"Certainly, the main actors involved in the educational process felt the support provided, which materialized in concrete actions such as the procurement and distribution of 500 support packages for preschoolers and primary school students; distance training for educators on working with parents of preschool-aged children; and, last but not least, the procurement of 105 laptops for teachers and students who do not have access to computing devices," said Igor Șarov, Minister of Education, Culture, and Research. "The COVID-19 pandemic requires innovative educational approaches, but also access to technology for every child."

Minister Igor Șarov thanked the Global Partnership for Education and UNICEF Moldova for the financial support of $70,000 provided to the Republic of Moldova to support the educational system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Online education during COVID-19 was an unexpected test," said Desiree Jongsma, UNICEF Representative in Moldova, at the event for the transfer of computing devices. "There is a need to eliminate the educational digital gap as quickly as possible, because a substantial number of children and teachers who did not have access to technology and the internet for various reasons were unable to participate in online distance learning."

The initiative is part of support offered by the Global Partnership for Education and UNICEF Moldova, with a total value of $70,000. Previously, educational packages were distributed for children with special needs in kindergartens and primary schools, and training courses for educators on distance parental education were organized.

According to UNESCO data, in April, 1.7 billion students from 193 countries (over 90%) were affected by school closures. UNICEF is among the first agencies to provide support in over 172 countries to organize continuity in education, mobilizing resources at global, regional, and local levels to support governments in ensuring that all children can learn. Approximately 80 million children worldwide were supported by UNICEF during this period.

[1] Model of computers: Lenovo 15.6" IdeaPad L340-15 API Grey.