The Republic of Moldova's lifelong learning (LLL) concept is rooted in its transition from Soviet governance to an independent nation in 1991. Historically, in the Republic of Moldova the emphasis was on vocational training, but political and economic changes shifted focus towards comprehensive LLL concepts to enhance workforce adaptability. Economically, Moldova's efforts to integrate into the European market required education reforms to meet EU standards. Socially, the country's demographic challenges, including migration and aging population, underscored the need for continuous education to maintain a competitive and inclusive labour market. Consequently, Moldova's LLL framework aims to provide equitable access to education and training across all ages and sectors.
In the Republic of Moldova, there is no specific strategy for lifelong learning. However, LLL is considered a part of education and is directly or indirectly reflected in several laws, regulations and other documents:
-
The Education Code of the Republic of Moldova: Lifelong learning is regulated under Title VII, with Chapter I describing the general framework, methods for implementing and financing of the lifelong learning, while Chapter II is entirely dedicated to the organisation and financing of adult education.
Moreover, some universities in the Republic of Moldova have developed institutional strategies for lifelong learning within the framework of Erasmus+ projects.
Moldova demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning (LLL) objectives and policies set by the European Union. The country actively aligns its educational framework with EU standards, focusing on improving access to quality education for all ages. Moldova emphasises adult education, vocational training, and digital literacy, aiming to enhance workforce skills and adaptability. Collaborative projects and policy reforms reflect Moldova's dedication to fostering a learning society. Efforts include modernising curricula, teacher training, and expanding learning opportunities, thereby promoting social inclusion, economic growth, and personal development in accordance with EU Council recommendation of 22 May 2018 on key competences for lifelong learning.
According to the Education Code, vocational training programmes, both initial and continuous, within the framework of lifelong learning are subject to evaluation for accreditation or provisional authorisation to operate, in accordance with the law. The decision regarding provisional authorisation to operate, accreditation, non-accreditation, or the withdrawal of the right to organise a vocational training programme, both initial and continuous, is made by the Ministry of Education and Research based on the evaluation results conducted by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research or other quality evaluation agencies listed in the European Quality Assurance Register.
Certification of knowledge and skills acquired in non-formal and informal education contexts can be done by authorised structures, based on regulations approved by the Ministry of Education and Research. In the context of non-formal education, educational service providers can issue certificates of participation, which may subsequently be part of the dossier for certifying prior learning competencies.
There is no dedicated agency for lifelong learning (2024) in the Republic of Moldova. The structure managing lifelong learning within the Ministry of Education and Research is the Directorate for Policies in General Education and Lifelong Learning.