Deadline: 23-Jan-2026
UNICEF Moldova is inviting grant applications to support inclusive education initiatives in Chisinau, focusing on early childhood development, general education, education in emergencies, and out-of-school learning. The program aims to improve access for children with disabilities, ethnic minorities, refugees, and returning migrants while strengthening local policies, teacher capacity, and inclusive practices.
Overview of the Initiative
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is offering grants to support inclusive education initiatives in Chisinau, Moldova. The program focuses on creating equitable learning opportunities for all children and adolescents, particularly those from vulnerable or marginalized groups.
The initiative emphasizes early childhood development, general education, education in emergencies, and out-of-school education to ensure no child is left behind in accessing quality learning environments.
Purpose and Objectives
The program aims to:
- Promote inclusive learning environments for children with disabilities, special education needs, ethnic minority backgrounds, refugees, and returning migrant children
- Strengthen local education policies to support inclusive practices
- Equip education professionals with skills to foster supportive, equitable learning spaces
- Implement Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) interventions to encourage inclusive attitudes among communities and educators
- Ensure sustainable ownership of inclusive education practices through collaboration with local authorities
By targeting systemic and behavioural changes, the program aims for long-term improvements in educational equity and quality.
Who Is Eligible
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or civil society organizations (CSOs) with experience in inclusive education or child-focused programming
- Entities able to work in close collaboration with UNICEF and the General Directorate for Education, Youth and Sports of Chisinau Municipality
- Organizations capable of implementing activities aligned with the program’s goals and reporting requirements
Applicants should demonstrate prior experience in inclusive education, early childhood development, or related fields.
Implementation Period
- Start date: March 2026
- End date: May 2027
The program includes planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of inclusive education activities, with detailed objectives and indicators provided in the Call for Expression of Interest.
Key Expected Outcomes
Grantees are expected to achieve:
- Development and adoption of local policies promoting inclusive education
- Strengthened capacity of education professionals to deliver supportive and equitable learning environments
- Implementation of SBC interventions to improve acceptance and inclusive behaviors among educators, children, and communities
- Improved access to quality education for marginalized and vulnerable children
These outcomes aim to create sustainable impact and systemic change in Chisinau’s education system.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Review the Call for Expression of Interest for detailed guidance on program objectives, activities, and indicators
- Prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining:
- Organizational experience and capacity
- Proposed activities and methodology
- Expected outcomes and indicators
- Budget and resource allocation
- Submit the application through the UNICEF Moldova designated platform before the specified deadline
Successful applications will demonstrate alignment with UNICEF’s priorities, feasibility, and potential for sustainable impact.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This grant is critical because it:
- Ensures marginalized and vulnerable children gain equitable access to education
- Strengthens local policies and institutional capacity for inclusion
- Encourages behavioral change toward inclusive practices among teachers, children, and communities
- Promotes sustainable, locally owned education solutions
- Supports early childhood development and learning continuity, even in emergencies
By focusing on systemic change and community engagement, the initiative advances long-term equity in Moldova’s education system.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly articulate how activities will reach marginalized and vulnerable children
- Align proposed interventions with UNICEF’s inclusive education framework
- Include measurable outcomes and indicators to track success
- Highlight organizational expertise in education, inclusion, or child-focused programming
- Demonstrate collaboration potential with local authorities and community stakeholders
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals without clear alignment to program objectives
- Ignoring vulnerable populations or inclusive practices in the methodology
- Failing to provide measurable outcomes or reporting plans
- Overlooking collaboration with local education authorities
- Underestimating the need for sustainability and long-term impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this UNICEF grant?
Organizations with experience in inclusive education or child-focused programming and the capacity to collaborate with local authorities in Chisinau.
What is the focus of the program?
Inclusive education for children with disabilities, ethnic minorities, refugees, returning migrants, and children with special education needs.
What is the implementation period?
March 2026 to May 2027.
Which sectors are included?
Early childhood development, general education, education in emergencies, and out-of-school learning.
How are applications evaluated?
Proposals are assessed for alignment with program objectives, feasibility, expected outcomes, and sustainability.
Are partnerships with local authorities required?
Yes. Collaboration with the General Directorate for Education, Youth and Sports of Chisinau Municipality is essential.
What outcomes are expected?
Adoption of inclusive education policies, strengthened teacher capacity, community behavior change, and improved access for marginalized children.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Moldova inclusive education grant provides a strategic opportunity to advance equitable learning for marginalized and vulnerable children in Chisinau. By supporting local organizations to implement evidence-based, sustainable practices, the initiative strengthens educational systems, promotes inclusion, and ensures that all children can access quality learning opportunities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
