Teacher opens EU-supported Language School in hometown: ‘I started with a table and a blackboard’
Children and young people from Dubăsari now have the chance to study English for free, thanks to Elena Comerzan, a dedicated teacher who has opened a foreign language school in her hometown. Elena realized this dream with the support of the European Union. Before this project was implemented, children in Dubăsari who wished to learn a foreign language at an advanced level had to take private lessons.
Elena Comerzan returned to Dubăsari after spending ten years teaching English and German to children in Chişinău. She recognized that knowing an international language is a significant advantage for young people and wanted to assist teenagers in her hometown.
"First, we found a location and began operations. After a year, we received technical support. Initially, we had only one large table where all the children sat together, along with a teacher’s desk and a blackboard—that was it. The rest of the furniture and the opening of a second room came after that first year,” said the school’s founder, Elena Comerzan.
Support for the program was provided by the European Union through the Confidence Building Measures initiative, which is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Moldova.
The courses have become more interactive and engaging. Students attend classes with enthusiasm, and the results are evident:
“I have been attending these classes for about six months. I really enjoy studying here, and I aspire to become a translator.”
“When I grow up, knowing English will be beneficial for my job prospects.”
“Why do I come to these classes? I want to take the exams. Before I joined, I didn’t know any English at all. Here, I am learning the language quickly. We practice reading, learn new words, and play games.”
“When we read and translate, I understand all the words, and we also play. Each class is different. English is important. When you visit other cities, it’s essential to know it, as it is one of the most significant foreign languages.”
One hundred children attend the Dubasari school, where both English and Romanian are taught.
"At the end of the course, students will receive a certificate confirming that they have achieved a certain level of proficiency. We plan to expand our offerings, primarily by introducing additional foreign languages, such as Italian and German, with Italian being particularly popular."
To date, the school has created three stable jobs. One teacher, who had intended to move to Chisinau in search of better employment, has decided to stay in Dubasari.
The European Union's "Confidence Building Measures" program, implemented by UNDP, is supporting small and medium-sized businesses, helping to create economic opportunities on both sides of the Nistru.
