Implementation Period: December 2023 – November 2026
Context
In the Republic of Moldova, despite agriculture playing a significant role in employment, productivity lags behind other countries, and the ageing agricultural population poses a challenge. Furthermore, there is a declining preference for agricultural studies among young people, emphasizing the need for effective work-based learning strategies. The FARMKEEN Project addresses these challenges by introducing student-centred approaches, digitalization, and sustainable agriculture to enhance the capacity of agricultural education in the Republic of Moldova and strengthen collaboration with the agro-industrial sector. The project aligns with European trends in vocational and technical education, highlighting the need for integrating practical learning.
Why and How
The FARMKEEN Project tackles significant challenges in agricultural education in the Republic of Moldova, contributing through innovative methods to the introduction of practical education. The project aims to improve the quality of agricultural education, stimulate collaboration with agribusiness, and modernize educational processes through digital technologies. By increasing the attractiveness of agricultural studies and developing a network of cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, the project contributes to shaping future agricultural professionals and enhancing sustainability in agricultural education in the region.
Partners
World Skills (Romania), Aeres (Netherlands), Professional School Bubuieci (Republic of Moldova), Center of Excellence in Horticulture and Agricultural Technologies in Țaul (Republic of Moldova), Center for Entrepreneurial Education and Business Assistance (CEDA – Republic of Moldova).
Summary
FARMKEEN addresses challenges in vocational and technical education (VET) in Moldova, specifically the lack of practical education in agriculture. The current education model emphasizes learning in schools, neglecting innovative approaches in the agro-industrial sector. FARMKEEN aims to improve the current paradigm by introducing student-centred practical approaches, incorporating digitization based on a Dutch model of blended learning, and experimenting in the field of sustainable agricultural education.
The project also explores the World Skills Romania approach, promoting practical solutions to real challenges in agriculture. By stimulating dialogue between VET schools and the agro-industrial sector, FARMKEEN aims to establish long-term relationships and implement effective learning experiences. Additionally, the involvement of schools from Romania will lead to the adoption of best practices in the Republic of Moldova.
Our Objectives
- Identify current practices and tools used in implementing practical learning of sustainable agriculture in schools.
- Innovatively use digital content to enhance education in specialized schools and create a more efficient Work-Based Learning (WBL) program.
- Develop tools and programs to increase the capacity of VET agricultural schools.
- Stimulate the involvement of the agro-industrial sector in practical learning by sharing knowledge and best practices between VET agricultural education providers in Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
- Establish clear frameworks for project sustainability, impact assessment, and quality assurance, monitor implementation, and report results.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
