Your child has a right to an education, which is a human right. Education enables your child to become independent and a fully developed individual and member of society. As a parent, you also have an important role in your child’s education. Firstly, you advise and educate your child and, secondly, you provide support for your child in the exercise of his/her right to an education outside the family, such as the choice of an educational institution.
A child’s right to an education
A child’s right to an education guarantees:
- the right of access to state-created or approved educational institutions
- the right to obtain official recognition of completed studies
important In Moldova, every child under 16 has an obligation to acquire pre-school, primary and first cycle secondary (”învăţământul gimnazial”) education.
If your child has functional disabilities, there should be special educational programmes available according to your child’s needs.
Free primary and secondary education
In Moldova, the Constitution and the Education Code guarantee your child State financed pre-school, primary and secondary education. This does not apply to private educational institutions.
Free education also means that the State finances a broad range of school supplies which are necessary for an education. Such school supplies are, for example, study literature (textbooks, exercise books and fiction books), visual materials, didactic games, electronic resources, devices, instruments and sports equipment. At the same time, a parent must ensure that the child has individual school supplies, such as stationery, specific clothing (for example, for sports or chemistry subjects) and individual materials for specific school subjects, such as housekeeping or technologies.
Language of instruction
The right to an education does not guarantee the right to obtain instruction in your mother tongue or other language of your choice to you or your child. In Moldova, children are educated in the official language of the State, which is Romanian. There are, however, some exceptions.
A child may learn also in one of the international languages such as English or French. Minority languages such as Russian, Ukrainian or Gagauzian may also be an education language in areas where minorities traditionally live or where there is a high number of individuals representing minorities, and in the limits of the educational system’s possibilities. The state examinations are usually taken in the child’s learning language.
Child’s freedom of thought, conscience and religion
Your child has a human right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. At the same time, you as a parent are responsible for the determination of the child’s religious affiliation.
As a part of the educational process, schools must observe the principles of secularism and neutrality. This means that information and knowledge included in the school curriculum must be conveyed in an objective, critical and pluralistic manner, in a calm atmosphere which is free from unrestrained proselytism. To observe these principles, schools may restrict certain forms of your child’s religious expression.
example The obligation for pupils to refrain from excessive proselytism and promotion of religious beliefs on school premises is a justified restriction, as it helps to maintain an atmosphere of secularism and neutrality. Teachers are required not to resort to or admit religious propaganda in the educational process, which fundamental principles are freedom of thought and independence from ideologies, religious dogmas. Moreover, it does not, as such, deprive a child’s parents of their right to guide their children on a path in line with their own religious or philosophical convictions.
In Moldova, your child has the option to learn Religion. Its learning is provided from first to ninth grade and is facultative, and you may enroll your child by written request.
Respect for a parent’s freedom of thought, conscience and religion
You as a parent, are primarily responsible for the education and teaching of your children. This also means that you may require your child’s school to respect your religious and philosophical convictions as a part of your own right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
At the same time, it is clear that many subjects taught at school have, to a greater or lesser extent, some philosophical aspects or implications. Therefore, teaching and the educational process may involve some religious or philosophical information to be given to your child directly or indirectly. Your freedom of thought, conscience and religion does not give you the right to demand that no such information is ever given to your child. Otherwise, the teaching of your child and other children could prove to be impracticable.
Morality & health education
In Moldova, the State has determined that a child’s education must comply with and involve principles which correspond to such values as marriage and family, morality, respect for the environment, courage, honesty etc. according to the Education Code.
Please, be aware that these principles do not contradict with, but allow your child to receive health education, which includes sexual and reproductive health education. Compulsory sex education for a child does not, as such, restrict your right as a parent to advise and guide your child on a path in line with your philosophical convictions.