The Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) announces the successful completion of the 10th edition of the Award Program “The Student with the Greatest Improvement in Academic Performance during the 2025–2026 School Year”, an innovative initiative designed to promote a new vision of academic achievement in rural areas of the Republic of Moldova.
Since 2011, iRi has awarded 73 students, aiming to motivate young people from rural communities and contribute to greater social inclusion, improved academic performance, and overall well-being.
“The program conveys a simple yet powerful message: success is not only about outstanding performance, but also about the courage to improve, grow, and overcome challenges, regardless of one’s starting point.” – Lilia Sula, program coordinator at iRi.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, the program was implemented in four educational institutions located in four rural communities of the Republic of Moldova: Lingura village (Cantemir district), Boghiceni village (Hincesti district), Nicoreni village (Drochia district), and Cirnatenii Noi village (Causeni district). The award recipients received a diploma and a cash prize of 1,000 MDL.
The end-of-school-year ceremony, known as “The Last Bell,” provided an appropriate occasion for public recognition, appreciation, and celebration of students’ academic growth throughout the school year.
Unlike traditional student award models, which primarily reward the highest grades, achievements in academic competitions, or exceptional performance, the iRi program recognizes students who have made the most significant progress in their educational journey over the course of a year. In this way, iRi highlights diligence, perseverance, and the desire for self-improvement, while encouraging other students and inspiring stakeholders such as organizations, local authorities, and development partners to adopt similar approaches.
“We learned from our previous experiences. Fifteen years ago, driven by a sincere desire to support children in Moldova’s villages, we launched the program ‘The Best Student of the School’. At that time, we rewarded only those students with outstanding results. Soon, however, we realized that this approach was incomplete, as the same students were often recognized repeatedly, while those facing learning difficulties felt more discouraged than encouraged by our awards. As a result, we shifted our focus. Today, the program’s impact is measured not only through numbers or grade averages, but also through the change in perspective that this award generates among students, teachers, and parents.” – Ruslan Stanga, founder of iRi.
Based on an analysis of students’ results from the first and second semesters, the program identified those who demonstrated motivation, perseverance, resilience, and a consistent commitment to their own academic development, regardless of their final overall grade average.
Award recipient Ion Savitchi together with school principal Natalia Dobrota, Lingura village, Cantemir district
Award recipient Cristian Hritcu from Nicoreni village, Drochia district, together with Mariana Bruma, director of the Drochia District Youth Center
Award recipient Vlad Berdaga from Boghiceni village, Hincesti district, together with Lilia Sula, iRi
Award recipient Inga Rusu together with Cristina Savca, school principal, Cirnatenii Noi village, Causeni district
Award recipient Cristian Hritcu from Nicoreni village described the emotions of this moment:
“I came to the school ceremony convinced that diplomas were only for students with perfect grades. When I heard my name announced for the award recognizing the greatest improvement in academic performance, I felt immense joy. This award showed me that every step forward matters and that my efforts were truly noticed.”
The reactions of the other three award recipients were equally moving. For most of them, this distinction represents the first public recognition of their efforts. It sends a powerful message that hard work, perseverance, and the desire to improve are noticed and appreciated, and that success in life is defined not only by outstanding performance, but also by dedication and determination.
The Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) extends its sincere gratitude to all individuals who chose to support the organization through Moldova’s 2% tax designation mechanism. Each contribution represented more than financial support, it was an investment in the confidence, motivation, and future of a child from a rural community.
Through their support, taxpayers became direct partners in promoting quality education in rural communities and creating additional opportunities for children who strive to overcome their own limitations.
We also express our gratitude to the administrations of the participating educational institutions, school principals Natalia Dobrota, Natalia Mereniuc, Cristina Savca, and Maria Banzaru, as well as to the teaching staff and all iRi partners for their openness and collaborative spirit in implementing this program.
For more stories and photos from the program, visit our Facebook pages:
The Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that contributes to the development of rural communities through education, civic participation, and responsible engagement.
Through its programs, iRi invests in people and in opportunities that enable every child, young person, or adult to reach their full potential.