Romania launches 1.2 billion lei program for 50,000 students

The Romanian Ministry of Education has launched the PRIMII program (Program for Primary Education Success through Integrated Intervention Measures) to support approximately 50,000 primary school students. With a budget exceeding 1.2 billion lei (approximately 232 million euros), the initiative aims to prevent functional illiteracy and reduce school dropout rates among vulnerable populations.

Funded through the Education and Employment Program 2021–2027 via the European Social Fund Plus, the project will run for three academic years from 2026 to 2029. The program targets at least 350 schools where students face high risks of learning difficulties or early school leaving. Support includes remedial activities, counseling, food, educational materials, and school trips.

Minister of Education Mihai Dimian noted that the program effectively nearly doubles the standard funding per student in these schools, specifically for remedial and learning acceleration activities. The selection process utilizes objective indicators, including the Early Warning Mechanism in Education (MATE) developed with the World Bank, the UNICEF Community Risk Index, and the school's residential environment. Eligible schools must submit funding applications by October 12, 2026.