Over 100 school students met in Chisinau and organized a public action, calling society and the authorities to take firmer measures against corruption in the education system. The action took place at the Center for Children and Youth Artico, where the students grabbed their hands, formed a circle symbolizing corruption and broke it. They said that corruption leads to the degradation of society and that's why it must be stopped, IPN reports.
The youth also took part in an interactive game, coming up with suggestions for the Ministry of Education to fight corruption. Their proposals included higher wages for teachers, more transparency in the evaluation of test and exam results, harsher punishments for acts of corruption and others.
The event was attended by Minister of Education Maia Sandu, who said that the phenomenon of corruption must be reduced because it has a negative impact on all spheres. “We have tried to wage war against it. We want the students to participate in the development of the budget for schools, so that people will know how much money is allocated to schools and how the money is used, in order to fight informal fees”, explained the minister.
She stressed that corruption isn't limited to bribery, but includes informal fees, favoritism, cheating on tests and skipping classes. Maia Sandu told the students that only weak people, lacking will and skills, use corruption, while strong people are able to do achieve their goals honestly.
UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova, Nicola Harrington-Buhay, said that UN programs involve young people as leaders, promoters and builders of trust and development. “We are determined to intensify our commitment towards you and your peers in order to help you create the future you want for Moldova”, said Nicola Harrington-Buhay.
The event was organized on the occasion of the International Anticorruption Day, on December 9.
