MEET Pilot - Sălcuța, Moldova

Sălcuța, High School Meșterul Manole

Organised by “Ion Creangă” State Pedagogical University of Chișinău, 1. 5.. - 4. 6. 2025

As part of the European project MEET – Mental Well-being in Education for Disadvantaged Youth, implemented by “Ion Creangă” State Pedagogical University of Chișinău under the EU Interreg Danube Region Programme, a pilot action was carried out between May 1 and June 4, 2025, to support mental health and personal development among rural students in Moldova.

The pilot activities were hosted at “Meșterul Manole” Theoretical High School in the village of Sălcuța, were coordinated by Mihail Calalb and Sergiu Sanduleac from UPSC and were provided with dedication by Sergiu Jelihovschii. The main goal was to promote socio-emotional development and mental well-being through practical sessions focused on reflection, communication, and digital awareness.

žThe intervention included 12 sessions grouped into four thematic workshops:

1. Understanding Ourselves and Our Emotions

2. The Digital World and Me

3. Strengthening Social and Emotional Skills

4. Building Resilience and Setting Goals

A key aim of the pilot was to test learning materials for young people and practical resources from the MEET Toolbox for Practitioners, selected by the UPSC team for possible inclusion in the project’s final publications.

In total, 42 students—18 from upper secondary and 24 from lower secondary education—participated with parental consent. During the sessions, students engaged in:

· Guided discussions on emotions and healthy emotional expression

· Practical exercises to manage stress and anxiety

· Critical reflection on digital habits and achieving digital balance

· Group activities to strengthen friendship, empathy, and inclusion

The interactive worksheets and participatory methods, drawn from the MEET resource set, were adapted to the students’ age and cultural context, aiming to foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience.

The pilot action concluded on June 4, 2025, with a special visit to “Ion Creangă” University. Here, students took part in dedicated activities blending learning with joy in a welcoming academic environment. They were met with cheerful surprises—animators, games, popcorn, and laughter—creating a memorable and uplifting experience.

As a gesture of appreciation, participation diplomas were awarded by the University’s Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexandra Barbăneagră, in a festive and emotional closing moment that celebrated the children’s involvement and growth.