---
title: "Moldovan students turn community problems into STEAM projects "
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/89141/moldovan-students-turn-community-problems-into-steam-projects
published: 2026-11-07T09:00:00Z
language: en
author: "Gabriela Melnic"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldovan students turn community problems into STEAM projects 

> Students across Moldova submitted 63 projects to a national STEAM contest by November 5, proposing practical solutions to challenges in schools and communities through science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/518a01ff-bfdd-44ae-b23e-e12504981c1c.jpg)

Students across Moldova submitted 63 projects to a national STEAM contest by November 5, proposing practical solutions to challenges in schools and communities through science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

**Students tackle real-world challenges**

The national “Ideas That Move” STEAM competition, launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Moldova, invited students in grades 5–12 to identify a specific problem and develop an innovative solution.

The competition featured two divisions: juniors, for students in grades 5–9, and seniors, for those in grades 10–12. Teams had to consist of three to five students, guided by one or two teachers throughout the project development process.

*“The idea behind this competition came from the fact that the problems we face in real life are not divided by academic subjects. They do not come exclusively from Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics. We wanted to give students the opportunity to analyse real-world problems and develop practical solutions, test them, experiment and go through the entire process, from an initial idea to building a prototype,”* said Ana Moraru, project manager at UNDP Moldova, during the “Good Morning with Radio Moldova” programme.

The proposed themes covered energy, climate and the environment, water and natural resources, smart schools, health and well-being, agriculture and bioinnovation.

**Simple solutions, not expensive technology**

Organizers stressed that projects did not have to involve sophisticated technologies or expensive equipment. They also encouraged students to develop solutions using simple, readily available and recyclable materials.

*“I want to emphasize that STEAM is not just about robotics, sensors or sophisticated technological solutions. STEAM is, first and foremost, an approach. We encourage all schools to participate, regardless of their available equipment. Moreover, we encourage low-tech solutions and the use of simple, recyclable materials,”* Moraru said.

By the end of November 5, organizers had received 63 entries for the competition.

**50 teams to advance to the next stage**

A total of 50 teams will be selected from among the applicants to advance to the second stage. They will receive mentoring between November 2026 and January 2027.

Starting in February, participants will work on developing prototypes under the guidance of their mentors. They will refine and improve their solutions throughout the process.

The final, scheduled for May 2027, will bring together 30 projects: 15 in the junior division and 15 in the senior division.

*“The ultimate goal is to promote this integrated approach in our schools. Those who enter the competition and advance to the next stage will receive mentoring throughout November, December and January. From February onwards, they will begin building their prototypes. Guided by mentors, they will continue to refine and improve their solutions,”* the project manager said.

The competition is organized by UNDP Moldova with financial support from the Government of Norway, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Centre for Digital Innovations in Education “Clasa Viitorului”.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

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