Students from one of the most vulnerable rural communities in Iași County explored technical high schools, in-demand professions, and accessible options for continuing their education during a two-day educational visit organized by Junior Achievement Romania and funded by Ingka Investments.
The commune of Mădârjac is among the most isolated communities in Iași County, where poverty and the risk of school dropout remain real challenges for many children and young people. To help them make informed decisions about their future, 7th and 8th grade students took part in an educational visit to the city of Iași on September 10–11.
During the two-day program, students visited several technical and vocational high schools, where they learned about specializations and professions in fields such as mechanics, automation, agriculture, the food industry, tourism and hospitality, beauty services, and electronics. The visits gave them the opportunity to speak directly with teachers and students, see modern workshops and laboratories, and better understand the skills they can acquire and the employment opportunities available after graduation.
Accessible education and in-demand professions
One of the key messages shared with the students was that continuing their education can be affordable, even for families with limited financial resources. The schools presented accommodation and meal options in student dormitories, with costs of approximately 27–32 RON per day, as well as programs offering scholarships and practical training placements carried out in partnership with employers.
Students also learned about the qualifications currently in high demand on the labor market and the opportunities available for internships, vocational training, and employment after completing their studies.
“For many of these children, this was the first opportunity to see what life after the 8th grade can actually look like. They discovered that they can continue their education and that there are clear educational and professional pathways that can lead them to a profession and financial independence,” explained Aurelia Florea, Program Manager, Junior Achievement Romania.
Beyond the limits of the village
The program also included a visit to the Technical University of Iași, as well as recreational activities at the Botanical Garden and Palas Mall.
As part of the initiative, each participant received a laptop through the partnership between Ingka Investments and ETI PC, providing practical support for continuing their education and developing digital skills.
Investing in the future of young people
The project is part of Ingka Investments’ community engagement efforts, aimed at supporting young people in rural areas where access to information, educational opportunities, and financial resources is often limited.
“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to make informed decisions about their future. Through this initiative, we aim to help students discover the educational and professional opportunities available to them, build confidence in their own abilities, and encourage them to continue their studies,” said Cristina Nica, Sustainability Leader, Ingka Investments.
“For the students from Mădârjac, this experience was more than just a school trip. It was an opportunity to discover that education, vocational qualifications, and a career can be within reach, regardless of where they start from,” added Alina Aftanse, Romanian language teacher at the Mădârjac School.
PHOTO Technical College “Mihail Sturdza”
PHOTO Agricultural College “Vasile Adamachi”
PHOTO Technical College “Ioan C. Ștefănescu”
