Moldova opens €50,000 rural toy library in Hîncești
A modern toy library equipped with educational games and sports gear opened at the Mingir Gymnasium in Moldova's central Hîncești District, offering structured after-school activities to 440 rural pupils.
Named "Atlantida" and themed around marine exploration, the facility transforms a standard school room into a dedicated space for reading clubs, creative workshops, and personal development initiatives. The project was carried out by the non-governmental organisation "The Moldova Project" with backing from domestic entrepreneurs, representing an investment of roughly €50,000 (approx. 1 million MDL).
Bridging the rural activity divide
Local educators noted that the centre addresses an acute gap in after-school resources outside urban hubs.
“Here, children will find moments of relaxation and engage in stimulating activities that attract them outside regular class hours,” said Galina Cotovanu, a primary teacher at the school.
School leadership expects wide participation across all age groups.
“Older students will certainly be curious and eager to get involved,” said Tatiana Sîrbu, director of the Mingir Gymnasium. “Our pupils are truly eager for non-formal learning opportunities, and I expect the centre to remain full.”
Expanding nationwide community infrastructure
The Mingir facility represents the 18th and largest toy library established nationwide by the organisation, designed to provide safe educational environments in vulnerable rural communities.
“Our work focuses primarily on villages, where one of the greatest challenges remains the severe shortage of extracurricular activities and funding,” said Victoria Morozov, president of "The Moldova Project." “We must continue prioritising these interventions so rural children have equal development opportunities.”
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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