From 7 to 9 October 2025, a delegation comprising eight managers and teachers from Vocational Education and Training Institutions across eight districts of the Republic of Moldova, together with two representatives from the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, participated in a study visit to Tallinn and Tartu, Estonia. The visit was facilitated by the Estonian Education and Youth Board and organised within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Enhancing Employment Rights in the Republic of Moldova”.

The main objective of the visit was to provide Moldovan VET managers and teachers and representatives of national authorities operating in the field of education, with the opportunity to learn from successful Estonian models of inclusion of people with special educational needs and learn about policies and practices supporting the integration of VET graduates from vulnerable groups into the labour market.

More specifically, the study visit focused on two key dimensions: a) studying the system and effective practices for organising and managing inclusive education in VET institutions; and b) exploring successful practices for integrating students from vulnerable categories, including NEET youth, into the labour market.

Throughout the study visit, Moldovan delegation met with various education and social protection authorities, including the Estonian Ministry of Education, the Tartu Vocational Training Centre, the Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Centre and the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund – public institutions recognised for their successful implementation of inclusive models.

By engaging in a wide range of discussions and site visits, participants gained valuable insights into strategies that promote equity and access for all learners, including those with diverse educational needs. They also became acquainted with effective institutional practices for managing inclusive education and supporting the transition of vulnerable learners into employment.

The Moldovan participants emphasised the importance of continued exchange of experience and good practices with Estonian partners, particularly in the context of Moldova’s ongoing efforts to align with European standards in inclusive education and labour market integration.

“This study visit was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2021-2024, and the project "Enhancing Employment Rights in the Republic of Moldova" which is co-funded by the Austrian Development Agency and the Council of Europe.”