A language school in Dubăsari, opened with the support of the EU and UNDP

For over a decade, she taught English and German in Chișinău, but the thought of returning home never left her. With the support of the European Union, provided through the Confidence Building Measures Programme implemented by UNDP Moldova, Elena equipped the school with the necessary equipment and furniture. 

"I started working while I was still in college. I always told myself that one day I would return home to my town," Elena says.

There was no language school in Dubăsari. There were only occasional private lessons, taught by a few teachers at home or in schools. Elena wanted more for the young people in the area: a modern and interactive learning environment.

"I opened this school thanks to European Union funding. That's the only way I was able to get the business off the ground," says Elena. She received ergonomic furniture and interactive whiteboards, as well as mentoring to get the school up and running.

"I got answers to every question. I learned on the fly how to attract customers and grow my business. I started with 25 students. I remember the first days, I was nervous but full of hope. Now, after a year, we have over 80 students enrolled in courses," Elena says proudly.

The school offers English and Romanian language courses and German courses will also be offered later. 

"We have over 20 students, both adults and children, learning Romanian. Among them are Ukrainians, foreigners settled in the region, but also locals who did not know Romanian and who are now able to communicate and integrate better," adds the young entrepreneur. 

So far, the school has created three stable jobs, and one of the teachers, who was planning to move to Chișinău in search of a better job, has decided to stay in Dubăsari.

Elena's project is about hope, about building bridges between people, about providing equal opportunities regardless of where you live. In an ever-changing world, the ability to speak multiple languages opens doors – to education, to better jobs, to better understanding between diverse communities.

The language school that opened a year ago in Dubăsari has become a dynamic space where children come with enthusiasm, adults return with confidence, and teachers find the motivation to contribute to a more united community.

"I want my students to have the same opportunities as those in big cities or outside the country. Education should not be a luxury, but a right for all," says Elena.

By supporting small and medium-sized businesses, the European Union Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, contributes to the creation of economic opportunities on both banks of the Nistru River.