The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova (MER), the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED) Moldova, the Association “Education for Development” (AED), and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova (CCI) was signed today, marking the official starting point of the new LED-funded project “Accelerating Dual Vocational Education in the Republic of Moldova”.
Moldova faces the challenge of high youth NEET rates (24.9%) caused by skills mismatches, low private sector involvement, and limited offers of dual programs. The project proposes the solution of accelerating dual VET through awareness campaigns, capacity-building for schools and businesses, and public-private partnerships to align VET offer with market needs. The expected change targets an increase in dual VET enrolment to 15% by 2028, enhanced youth employability, the engagement of at least 230 companies, and a reduction in NEET rate.
Over 15,000 beneficiaries – students, parents, teachers, business sector representatives, and VET managers – are expected to be engaged in this intervention.
With a duration of 42 months (July 2025– December 2028) and a budget of 1,78 million Euro, this project aims to contribute to Moldova’s human capital development and economic resilience.