Venture for Peace: September 2015

September 1 marks the start of school throughout Moldova. From the smallest kindergartener to the university graduate student, school begins in this tiny Republic on the same day for everyone.

In the village of Rusestii Noi, it is definitely an important event for students, teachers and families. I was pleased to be part of the celebration and excitement. My day began at the Liceul Teoretic (middle-high school for grades 5 through 12) main campus where all students including those from the Blocul Claselor Primare or Primary School (grades 1 through 4) gathered in the courtyard before the school's main door. The entrance to the school was festively decorated with flags, banners and balloons. Most students were dressed in fine clothes and carried bouquets of flowers.

The program began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Moldova. The Director of the Liceul Teoretic welcomed everyone as did the Mayor. The priest from the Orthodox Church offered a prayer. A women graduate spoke and then I was asked to speak.

In anticipation of this eventuality, I had prepared brief remarks and practiced my Romanian. Thus fairly smoothly in my limited Romanian I told the gathering that I was an American from the State of Ohio. I explained that I was a Peace Corps volunteer, had come to Moldova three months earlier and was studying Romanian. I am a community consultant who hopes to collaborate and work with the Primaria, library, schools and organizations for youth, the elderly and women. I am happy to be in Molodova. I told them that I like Moldova because it is a beautiful country with friendly people, fresh fruits and vegetables, and very tasty food. I wished them all success in school.

My remarks were well received and applauded and I was presented with flowers by students. Whether what I said was completely grammatically correct did not seem to matter. I made the effort to speak their language, expressed an interest in their country and a desire to learn and work.

Following the speeches. the first graders were each presented with their first book. Several spoke reciting verses and one sang. Three first graders accompanied by two twelfth graders then paraded around the courtyard ringing the bell. The students then entered the school amidst picturing taking and the giving of flowers to teachers, administrators and us guests.

After this celebration, the Mayor and I were driven to the Gradinita or kindergarten in Rusestii Vechi which currently serves about 30 young children. We greeted the children playing in the playground. We then entered one of the classrooms and spoke to the parents who were assembled. I again made my brief presentation in Romanian and was affirmed by applause and smiles from the parents.

Next we went to the Gradinita in Rusestii Noi which is serving 120 small children this year. We went into three different classrooms and I spoke briefly n Romanian in each. I think I was doing better each time because of the practice. In any event, the parents and staff were gracious and kind.

Lastly the Mayor and I went to the Primary school as the children and parents had returned from the earlier celebration at the Liceul Teoretic. We visited a number of classrooms and spoke with parents. I was asked several questions by parents and managed to understand them and answer in Romanian. Again I felt welcomed.

First Bell is a joyous celebration and tradition. It is a special way to begin a new school year. It has been one of the highlights of my venture. I am especially grateful that I was given the opportunity to address so many children and adults in Romanian and was affirmed. Although I was clearly recognizable before September 1, I am now well known throughout the village!