Moldova

This seminar is organized by TOLI – The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights, in partnership with Agudath Israel in Moldova, the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova and the Agency for Interethnic Relations. The program takes place in Chișinău and brings together a group of 30 teachers from across the country.

The purpose of the seminar is to contribute to enhancing the quality of Holocaust and human rights education in the Republic of Moldova. The seminar underscores the contemporary relevance of this vital part of modern history and offers educators a valuable opportunity to integrate both national and international approaches in teaching these subjects.

The objectives of the seminar are:

• To develop teachers’ critical understanding of antisemitism, the Holocaust, and other forms of social injustice;
• To deepen educators’ awareness of how stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination impact individuals, groups, and broader society;
• To enhance teachers’ knowledge of Jewish life before and after the Holocaust;
• To promote awareness among educators of the Roma genocide;
• To foster appreciation for innovative, student-centered teaching methods, including extracurricular activities and partnerships between schools and other institutions and organizations;
• To support an interdisciplinary approach to the Holocaust, human rights, and intercultural education;
• To develop teachers’ competencies for democratic culture and promote positive values for living in a diverse world, such as respect, interculturalism, dialogue, and appreciation of others.

The seminar employs a methodology based on the principles of active participation and holistic learning throughout the program. This learner-centered methodology is rooted in experiential learning principles and a human-rights based approach to education. Special emphasis is placed on maintaining a balanced approach between cognitive and emotional elements; between information about the horrors of the Holocaust and insights into Jewish life before and after the Holocaust; and between learning and action—because learning alone is not enough; taking action based on what has been learned is the key to social change.

The pedagogical approach promoted in the seminar is based on the interdisciplinary methodology described in the TOLI Handbook for Teachers Learning from the Past Acting for the Future: https://www.toli.us/european-seminar-handbooks/ 

This seminar is co-funded by the German Embassy in Chisinau and by the Visegrad+ Program.