THE DEAN’ S MESSAGE

It is already a certainty that we cannot speak about economic, social, and cultural development, nor about human development, in general, in the absence of a quality education: education is no longer considered as an “unproductive sector”, but as an investment in human and social capital and, moreover, as a profitable investment: it is known that a dollar invested in early education can bring a profit of seven dollars, at general social and community level. As a result, the development of education has become a priority target of "advocacy" and promotion at the level of development policies supported by the most important international organizations (UN and UNESCO, OECD and World Bank, European Union, etc.).

Quality education is one of the global goals of sustainable development (Horizon 2030), adopted at the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (September 2015): “ensuring an inclusive, equitable and quality education, as well as promoting lifelong learning opportunities for everybody”. The importance of this initiative is paramount, as it represents the consensus of the 193 Member States. This initiative pursues 17 general objectives (Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs), one of which, number 4, refers to "Quality Education".

In this sense, education, as a determining factor of the society development is associated with the current tendencies characteristic of the system’s development, and also with many prospective openings

• valorization of the humanistic paradigm of education, which is oriented towards the maximum development of own Self, personality, and own experience;
• establishment of a knowledge society;
• setting up of new socio-humanistic relations based on harmony with nature, cooperation and negotiation, equal opportunities, valorization of all resources;
• integration of higher education, research and labor market;
• lifelong learning, etc.

The diversity of socio-economic transformations aims at and involves the resizing and updating of the higher education system.

In this context, the Moldova State University, as the institution with the highest international rating, participates directly in the elaboration and promotion of educational and research policies, having as strategic objectives the following

• development and consolidation of the educational offer;
• approach to scientific research as a priority in the institutional activity;
• expansion and deepening of international relations;
• support of social, cultural, and scientific activities, etc.

The Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Sociology and Social Work fits perfectly in achieving these strategic objectives at the level of its specific opportunities and valencies.

In the 12 years since its founding, the Faculty has gained extensive experience in the initial and continuing training of specialists in the domain of education, psychology, sociology and social work sciences (in 2017 the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences and the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work were merged into a unitary structure), and also in the field of scientific research and innovation transfer (although, the training of specialists in these fields was carried out within other faculties during several decades).

At present, the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Sociology and Social Work is the only one in the Republic of Moldova that trains specialists in these fields through integrated programs and a new generation curriculum with great openings to the labor market and further studies, to active and interactive learning focused on valorization of students’ potential and their preparation for being able to integrate efficiently professionally and socially.

At the same time, I want to mention that the Faculty has a human potential at the level of international standards: 9 Doctors Habilitatus and 34 PhDs, including four international experts in the field of education, and also a contingent of students with high initial training.

The Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Sociology and Social Work conducts training in all three cycles of higher education: Licentiate, Master’s and PhD studies. Within the Faculty there are: Scientific Research Center "Educational and Social Policies", Psychological Assistance Center, Educational Center "E-Learning", Didactic Center for Intercultural Education, Gender Center, Republican Resource Center for Social Work, Sociological Research Center. The Faculty publishes the Journal STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS MOLDAVIAE, Education Sciences Series (Pedagogy; Psychology) - Editor-in-chief Mr. Vladimir Guțu, Doctors Habilitatus, University Professor and Social Sciences Series (Sociology) - Deputy Editor-in-chief Ms. Stela Milicenco, PhD, Associate Professor, re-accredited for Category B which is required both nationally and internationally.

The Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Sociology and Social Work implements/realizes a big number of international projects: TEMPUS, INTAS, AUF, UNICEF.

Through all the activities and policies promoted, the Faculty demonstrates competence, professionalism and openness to cooperation and collaboration both nationally and internationally.