On September 28, Moldova saw an unprecedented convergence of 250 educators at the Ion Creangă State University in Chișinău for the iEARN-Moldova Global Education Conference. Organized by the iEARN-Moldova network in collaboration with the General Directorate for Education, Youth, and Sports, and America House Cultural Center, the conference marked a pivotal moment for Moldova’s educational future. At the event’s core was a vision to enrich Moldova’s educational ecosystem by fostering international collaboration, introducing innovative teaching practices, and expanding Moldovan educators’ engagement through global partnerships.
250 Moldovian educators taking pictures at the end of the conference.
Reframing Moldovan Education Through Global Collaboration
The iEARN Global Education Conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange and the cultivation of international relationships. The event emphasized Moldova’s ambition to modernize its educational practices by aligning with global trends. Participants discussed how Moldovan educators can actively contribute to the international educational community, improving student learning experiences and fostering global citizenship.
The opening video address from Melissa Rowker, Director of Global Education at iEARN-USA, stressed the transformative power of global networks, highlighting that cross-border collaboration allows educators to create more meaningful learning experiences and address common challenges. This message underscored the conference’s objective of integrating international perspectives into daily teaching practices.
iEARN Moldova Greeting: Melissa Rowker, Director of Global Education at iEARN-USA welcomes the iEARN-Moldova community.
Following this, Daniela Munca-Aftenev, Deputy Chief of the Chișinău Municipal Department of Education, Youth and Sport, illustrated how Moldova’s educational framework can synergize with iEARN’s global projects, providing students with skills and intercultural competencies essential in today’s interconnected world.
Daniela Munca- Aftenev, Deputy Chief of the Chișinău Municipal Department of Education, Youth and Sport presenting
Thepresentation of Olga Morozan, iEARN Moldova Country Coordinator emphasized the expanding opportunities for Moldovan educators through iEARN, such as professional development, international exchanges, and mentorships. These resources help teachers stay aligned with global educational trends, improving their skills and student outcomes. The impact of global collaboration fosters innovation and cooperation, benefiting both teachers and students alike.
Olga Morozan, iEARN-Moldova Country Coordinator presenting the iEARN Teachers’ Guide
iEARN Projects: Catalysts for Global Learning
The conference showcased several impactful iEARN projects that the 7 most active Moldovan teachers have already integrated into their classrooms. These projects demonstrate how international collaboration can yield tangible educational benefits by providing students with the opportunity to explore global issues, enhance digital skills, and develop cross-cultural understanding.
One such project, “One Day in Life,” encourages students from Nisporeni to document and share a day in their lives with peers worldwide, linking personal experiences to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project fosters global empathy and teaches students to view the world through a shared lens of responsibility.
Another project, “My Hero,” engages students from Mihai Eminescu Lyceum from Edinet in storytelling, allowing them to share stories of individuals who inspire them. This initiative promotes cultural pride and teaches students the importance of values like resilience and compassion. The “Places and Perspectives” project further enriches the same students’ cultural knowledge through the exchange of personal experiences, fostering a greater appreciation for diverse cultural identities.
Most active iEARN-Moldova educators sharing their best practices
The conference also highlighted the role of young people in community service and global activism, as evidenced by their involvement in the Global Youth Service Day. For example, Moldovan students from Balti municipality participating in this initiative took on leadership roles, addressing local challenges, while simultaneously learning about the importance of global solidarity.
Other significant projects showcased by 2 iEARN educators from Drochia and Ungheni districts included initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and digital citizenship, crucial in preparing students to navigate the digital landscape with ethical awareness. Such projects ensure that Moldovan students are not only prepared for future academic challenges but also equipped to become responsible digital citizens.
Cornelia Paltfon’s Invitation: Connecting Cultures Through “Folk Costumes Around the Globe”
A significant highlight of the conference was the invitation from Cornelia Paltfon, iEARN-Romania Country Representative, who warmly encouraged Moldovan educators to participate in the “Folk Costumes Around the Globe” project. Cornelia spoke passionately about preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of traditional folk costumes from different countries. She highlighted how the project serves as a powerful tool for exploring national identity and fostering cross-cultural respect.
Cornelia Platfon, iEARN-Romanina Country Coordinator inviting Moldovan educators to join the “Folk Costumes Around the Globe” project.
Through virtual exhibitions and exchanges, this initiative allows students to share the beauty and significance of their traditional garments while learning about the cultural expressions of others. This project represents a bridge between cultural appreciation and global understanding, and many Moldovan teachers were eager to participate.
The Conference was transmitted online in two parts (Part 1 and Part 2) reaching out to more people willing to explore new global learning opportunities from the country and abroad.
A New Educational Frontier: Moldovan Teachers Reflect
As the conference concluded, participants reflected on the wealth of ideas and strategies shared, with many educators expressing their renewed enthusiasm for joining the iEARN community and transforming their teaching practices. The conference opened new pathways for professional growth, providing access to international networks that could enhance the learning environment for Moldovan students.
The discussions surrounding cross-border collaboration and shared learning experiences resonated deeply with the participants, who recognized that global education is crucial for preparing students to thrive in today’s interconnected world. As one teacher commented, “Our classrooms no longer exist in isolation—our students are part of a global society, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools to succeed.”
Moldovan teachers ready to access the iEARN global learning path.
As Moldova continues to navigate educational reform, conferences like this provide crucial opportunities for reflection and collaboration, offering a vision of education that transcends geographical borders. Through global connections and the adoption of iEARN projects, Moldovan educators are poised to guide the next generation toward a future defined by collaboration, intercultural understanding, and global responsibility.
Mrs. Hafsa Hadj Boulenouar Algerian Ministry of National Education
My name is Hafsa Hadj Boulenouar, a secondary school English language teacher from Algeria, and this is my story of participating in the iEARN Storytelling for Social Change program.
I first came across this opportunity through a post, calling for teachers from the western region of Algeria. As a passionate educator and firm believer in the power of international exchanges, I applied immediately, excited about the chance to connect my students with the global community.
The program began with an engaging two-day, in-person training session led by iEARN Algeria’s Country Coordinator, K. Mezough, and Project Facilitator, M. Louznadji. Alongside nine other teachers from across the region, we were introduced to the program’s objectives and activities. Their leadership provided us with a clear vision of the program’s goals, and I
felt both prepared and motivated to embark on this unique educational journey. We were also equipped with essential tools such as agendas, pens, T-shirts, and USB drives to ensure smooth access to the virtual resources, as internet connectivity is often a challenge.
After returning to my city, I was determined to provide my students with the same enriching experience. I selected 10 highly motivated students, prioritizing those with access to a phone or laptop and an internet connection, since the course was conducted virtually. These students displayed exceptional dedication, and it was a pleasure to guide them through the program.
The Storytelling for Social Change virtual exchange spanned seven weeks, from October 2, 2023, to November 13, 2023. The 14-hour course included a combination of instructor-led Zoom meetings and asynchronous activities on the iEARN Collaboration Centre platform. Each week introduced a new theme, ranging from the art of storytelling and global goals to visual storytelling, story development, and video production. Through this program, both my students and I deepened our understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learned to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and explored how storytelling can be a powerful tool for social change.
We met virtually each Friday on Zoom and stayed connected through a WhatsApp group I created for ongoing support. Despite the lack of a library or meeting space at our school, we overcame these challenges by gathering on Tuesday afternoons for face-to-face discussions and brainstorming sessions. I witnessed firsthand how my students' speaking, writing, and leadership skills flourished. Not only did they learn to use tools like Zoom, but they also discovered how to leverage the internet for educational purposes. Most importantly, they learned to tolerate differences, respecting diverse perspectives, and realized that they could truly be agents of change within their communities.
Each student connected their personal passions and concerns to a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), creating a meaningful link between local challenges and global objectives. Yebdri, driven by her passion for women’s rights, focused on SDG 5: Gender Equality, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities for girls in Algeria. Boudghene, Mahmoudi, and Boumediene, deeply concerned about environmental issues, selected SDG 13: Climate Action, addressing the urgent problem of climate change. Tchouar and Ameri, inspired by their love for education, focused on SDG 4: Quality Education, advocating for better resources and access to education. Malak, envisioning a more sustainable urban future, worked on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Fatima, passionate about public health, concentrated on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, exploring healthcare challenges in her community. Finally, Saidi, driven by the need for economic growth, focused on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, aiming to create better job opportunities and economic stability. Unfortunately, one student had to withdraw from the course due to health issues, but the remaining students continued with determination, each making meaningful contributions.
Together, they identified local challenges, aligned them with the global SDGs, and proposed solutions through their projects. By the end of the course, these students not only produced impressive storytelling videos but also gained confidence in their English language skills, cultural competence, and leadership potential.
The program culminated in an in-person showcase, where the students proudly presented their SDG projects to an audience of teachers, parents, school administrators, and community members. It was a moment of immense pride—not just for me, but for the students who represented our school and Algeria on a global stage.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the iEARN Storytelling for Social Change program to both educators and students. This program provides a rare and invaluable opportunity for intercultural exchange, particularly within Algeria’s public education sector, where such initiatives are scarce and desperately needed.
My only suggestion for future iterations would be to explore possibilities for in-person exchanges, as I firmly believe that face-to-face interactions would further enrich the experience and deepen connections among participants.
This program has profoundly inspired my students to dream bigger, act locally, and think globally. It has also reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of storytelling to create lasting social change.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Stevens Initiative and the U.S. Department of State for making this remarkable program possible. Their commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration is not only commendable but essential for nurturing a generation of global citizens who are equipped to tackle the challenges of our interconnected world. Thank you for your support and vision in empowering young minds through the art of storytelling!
iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change virtual program is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To learn more about iEARN-USA and how to join this or other virtual exchange programs, visit https://projects.us.iearn.org/.
Meet the people who make Storytelling for Social Change possible!
Storytelling for Social Change, our international virtual exchange program in partnership with The Stevens Initiative, helps students create and share stories about their community with their international peers. Meet the people who help to coordinate this program and help our students and teachers have a rewarding, successful, experience.
As the iEARN coordinator and Executive Director of TEARN in Tunisia, Hela Nafti was excited to take part in this 7-week program that focuses on intercultural exchanges and is embedded in the transformative vision of education that empowers students with global issues and life skills. Her pride was to listen to the moving testimonials of the students who showed ownership of the storytelling program during the showcase celebration of the videos. Hela saw that students clearly expressed their joy of learning differently, using new technology, discovering other students from remote countries ,yet sharing the same values and principles.
Above all, Hela is deeply convinced that this program has helped develop among students a sense of belonging to the world community. They will embrace the global citizenship values and will become the changemakers of a more resilient, sustainable and peaceful world.
Hela has been involved in iEARN for 20 years. It has been such an incredible experience, taking hundreds of teachers and students through a lifelong journey of online exchanges, building bridges thanks to projects and helping set up a community of teachers, whose ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable peace in the world.
Hela has seen that teachers are now making a difference in their schools and communities by offering quality education closely connected to the real world.
Kheira Mezough, Country Coordinator for Algeria, has been working with iEARN since 2009. It all started with 2 scholarships for online courses as a learner, then she was invited to co-facilitate an online course with an American teacher of Arts. Two years later, she was appointed country coordinator for iEARN in Algeria and had the opportunity to reach out to educators both nationally and internationally through many online courses, exchange programs and annual conferences.
When Kheira heard about the Storytelling for Social Change Program, she got excited as it is an important type of program for the new generation of learners, and at the same time, she found it a sustainable project for iEARN since it has been connecting people from around the world for so many years. This program is an opportunity not only for students who are engaged in the program but also for educators who are becoming members of this international organization, and our stories will keep iEARN alive as it will give many lessons to the world, mainly lessons about peace.
Christen Maguire has been the Program Manager for Storytelling for Social Change since December 2023. In this role, she supports school recruitment, financial management, reporting, and oversees the program implementation. Before joining iEARN-USA, Christen worked as an elementary teacher and has experience in international education in Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Nepal. Christen is based in Illinois and earned her B.A. in Psychology from the College of Wooster and her M.Ed in International Educational Development from the University of Pennsylvania.
Christen’s favorite aspect of the Storytelling for Social Change program is watching the connections participants make during synchronous calls. These weekly calls provide real-time interaction, allowing participants to learn about and from each other. By the end of the program, many participants consider these connections the most valuable part of their experience.
iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change virtual program is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To learn more about iEARN-USA and how to join this or other virtual exchange programs, visit https://projects.us.iearn.org/.
iEARN-USA has a new partnering country for Compañeros de Clase Globales, meet the new Country Coordinator and Program Facilitator!
Recently, iEARN-USA announced our partnership with Mexico for our grant-funded international virtual exchange program, Compañeros de Clase Globales. We are excited to be working with our peers in Mexico, led by Núria de Alva Ruiz, Country Coordinator, and Vianney Ãvila Esquivel, Program Facilitator. Let’s get to know a little more about Núria and Vianney.
Núria de Alva Ruiz carries specializations in Virtual Learning Environments and Management and has extensive experience in online and virtual education. As the Deputy Director of Educational Projects and Academic Director of Red Escolar, she designed the first version of Red Escolar and coordinated various online collaborative projects and courses.
Núria has consulted for institutions such as Semarnat, CODIET, the University of Veracruz, UOC, and CUAED UNAM, focusing on digital educational resources and online course delivery. She has represented iEARN in Mexico since 2003, promoting school participation in collaborative projects. We are so excited to have her on board in ensuring our partner schools in Mexico have a transformative experience participating in their virtual exchange, Compañeros de Clase Globales.
Vianney Ãvila Esquivel has over 35 years at the Instituto Latinoamericano de la Comunicación Educativa (ILCE). Vianney Avila also serves as the Head of Special Projects, designing and coordinating online collaborative projects and instructional development for teacher training programs. She holds a Master’s in Educational Technology from ILCE and a Master’s in Art History from UNAM.
Previously, Vianney directed RedEscolar for over 15 years, managing educational platforms, designing distance education models, creating and evaluating educational materials, and supervising international collaborative projects in both English and Spanish. She has represented ILCE in forums and conferences on distance education in Canada, the USA, Chile, and Nicaragua. We are so excited to have her join us in supporting our partnering teachers in Mexico to ensure their students have a rewarding virtual exchange experience.
iEARN-USA’s Compañeros de Clase Globales virtual program is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation. To learn more about iEARN-USA and how to join this or other virtual exchange programs, visit https://projects.us.iearn.org/.
iEARN-USA is a founder and the U.S. center of the International Education and Resource Network. With nearly 5,000 classrooms in 145 countries and virtual exchange projects in 30 languages, iEARN is one of the largest, most experienced non-profit networks enabling K-12 educators and students to engage in global virtual exchange through project-based & collaborative learning. The iEARN model has been cited for impact and reliance through its founding; most recently, the World Economic Forum named the iEARN model one of its top 16 frameworks for the future of education.
The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption. Learn more: https://www.stevensinitiative.org
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
The Bezos Family Foundation supports rigorous, inspired learning environments for young people, from birth through high school, to put their education into action. Through investments in research, public awareness, systems building and programs, the foundation works to elevate the field of education and improve life outcomes for all children.
The 2024 iEARN Virtual Project Exhibition was a true celebration of students’ collaborative action around the SDGs.
On May 23, 2024, 27 students and 18 educators from 11 countries presented about 8 iEARN projects and how they worked with their global peers to address the most pressing issues of their time. More than 65 people from over 21 countries attended the sessions.
A huge Congratulations to all of the presenters! We also give special thanks and Congratulations to our hosts: Arya from Iran, Ildana and Daniel from the United States, Maliheh Mohseni from iEARN-Iran, and to the educators who supported them: Minoo Shamsnia from iEARN-Iran and Bryan Peters from the United States.
View the programs and listen to and watch the recordings from both sessions below.
iEARN-USA will engage students in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Guatemala in cross-cultural, collaborative learning while they examine compelling real-world issues and explore ways they can make a difference.
New York City, NY, November 8, 2023 – Today, iEARN-USA (International Education and Resource Network) announced the launch of Compañeros de Clase Globales, a series of projects that will ignite learning and spark students’ curiosity about the world and their role in it by bringing the world into U.S. classrooms. Through this International Virtual Exchange program, iEARN-USA will pair elementary and high school classrooms in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, with peer classrooms in Guatemala, challenging students to explore real world issues and think about what it means to make a positive difference in the world.
It often feels that the world is facing insurmountable challenges. Virtual exchange can empower young people to be agents of change alongside their international peers. iEARN projects are designed to support students’ understanding of one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This provides an entry point for students across diverse countries and cultures. Additionally, across each project, classrooms explore a common idea such as robotics, building cultural competencies through shared literature, and investigating environmental issues that impact local and global communities. This dual alignment means classrooms can engage around a global “big idea†while simultaneously supporting the instructional standards in each classroom location.
iEARN-USA’s Compañeros de Clase Globales is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation.
Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik, Executive Director of iEARN-USA, expressed her appreciation and excitement about this program saying, “We are grateful to the Stevens Initiative and the Bezos Family Foundation for their support of Compañeros de Clase Globales. Their support is helping iEARN achieve our mission to develop a global community that is breaking down cultural barriers and making a difference in the world. I truly believe that virtual exchange can be the spark that ignites a young person’s interest in the world. It’s incredibly cool to be able to meet and talk with peers from other countries and together learn about everything from different cultures, to different climates, to our shared human experience!“
“The Stevens Initiative envisions a day where every young person can say that virtual exchange empowered them to learn and connect with peers from around the world. This can only be possible with the support of the dedicated virtual exchange providers, strategic partners, and education and exchange leaders who have joined our global movement. The Stevens Initiative’s collaboration with iEARN-USA represents a pivotal moment for the future of virtual exchange, and we are proud to work alongside them as they work on the ground to make this vision possible in the years ahead,†said Christine Shiau, Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute.
Ortiz-Cidlik went on to say, “Demand for virtual exchange can’t be met by one program alone because of the unique interests and needs of young people. By joining forces with the Stevens Initiative and other providers, we can magnify our impact and ensure that communities everywhere have access to programs that excite them.â€
To learn more about iEARN-USA and how to join this or other virtual exchange programs, visit https://projects.us.iearn.org/.
iEARN-USA is a founder and the U.S. center of the International Education and Resource Network. With nearly 5,000 classrooms in 145 countries and virtual exchange projects in 30 languages, iEARN is one of the largest, most experienced non-profit networks enabling K-12 educators and students to engage in global virtual exchange through project-based & collaborative learning. The iEARN model has been cited for impact and reliance through its founding; most recently, the World Economic Forum named the iEARN model one of its top 16 frameworks for the future of education.
The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption. Learn more: https://www.stevensinitiative.org
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
The Bezos Family Foundation supports rigorous, inspired learning environments for young people, from birth through high school, to put their education into action. Through investments in research, public awareness, systems building and programs, the foundation works to elevate the field of education and improve life outcomes for all children.
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