October 16, 2026 News

Caritas Czech Republic improves access to drinking water in 15 rural schools in Moldova

A national WASH assessment conducted by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Research in 2023–2024 found that 167 out of 968 educational institutions reported unsafe drinking water. To address this challenge, between 2024 and 2026, Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova installed 15 water filtration systems in rural schools, with the financial support of the European Union, improving access to filtered drinking water for 4,038 students and over 300 teachers and support staff.

Water within reach: making everyday school life easier

For children, having access to drinking water at school should be a simple, everyday reality. Yet, in many rural communities in the Republic of Moldova, water quality remains a challenge, affecting students’ well-being and their daily school experience. Having a filtration system at school in Brînza  village has made drinking water more accessible and convenient for the entire school community.

“Before the filtration system was installed, children used to bring water from home or ask for it at the school canteen. Now they can get water directly from the tap. We greatly appreciate this support,”

says Tatiana, school principal in Brînza village.

Safe drinking water, improved conditions for students and teachers in Moldova

In communities where the quality of water supplied through the local network raises concerns, filtration systems offer schools a practical way to improve the water available for consumption.

“Thanks to this system, students now have access to clean water. Thank you, and we hope to welcome you again with other projects at our school,”

says Natalia, school principal in Dănceni village.

In Bucovăț, the new system has also made a difference to the school’s daily routine.

“The water from the network in our community has an unpleasant smell and is not suitable for drinking. The installed system allows us to obtain water that meets national standards. We now drink potable water directly at the school,”

explains Serghei, school principal in Bucovăț village.

The support has helped schools respond to their specific needs and make filtered water more readily available to students and staff.

The value of improved school conditions is perhaps best expressed by the students who experience them every day. Access to drinking water at school is a basic need, but it can also make children feel more comfortable and cared for in their learning environment.

“I am very happy that we now have these conditions at our school,”

says Maria, a seventh-grade student in Vatici village.

Access to safe water in rural areas of Moldova

Between 2024 and 2026, Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova supported the installation of water filtration systems in 15 rural schools located in the villages of Brînza and Slobozia Mare (Cahul District), Batîr (Cimișlia District), Hîjdieni (Glodeni District), Buțeni and Hîncești (Hîncești District), Costești, Dănceni and Mileștii Mici (Ialoveni District), Vatici (Orhei District), Rădoaia and Sîngerei (Sîngerei District), Talmaza (Ștefan Vodă District), Bucovăț (Strășeni District), and Anenii Noi (Anenii Noi District). Post-installation water quality tests were conducted in all 15 schools to assess the quality of the drinking water.

Alongside the installation of filtration systems, our implementing partners, AO LDA and AO AOSH distributed 50 hygiene kits in each participating school for girls from the most vulnerable families. In addition, we provided training for school staff on the technical maintenance of the filtration systems and safe water practices, supporting their continued use and promoting better hygiene in schools.

With the financial support of the European Union, Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova continues to work with local communities and educational institutions to improve water, sanitation and hygiene conditions and help create safer, healthier learning environments for children in rural Moldova.

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