A little over a year ago, the transnational project “Improving Access to Education in Border Regions as a Key to Socialisation and Integration into the EU” — Learn Across Borders (ROUA00342) — was launched in Tulcea, Romania.
Its main goal is to help children, young people and adults on both sides of the Ukrainian-Romanian border learn Ukrainian and Romanian, overcome communication barriers, and integrate more quickly into new educational, social and professional environments.
In May 2026, an innovative methodology for teaching Ukrainian to Romanian-speaking audiences and ethnic Ukrainians living abroad was presented in Odesa. The methodology combines modern educational approaches with elements of eidetic memory and mnemonic techniques, as well as practical methods for rapid learning and retention.
Following the development of curricula, teaching materials and digital resources, the project has now entered its most important stage — the delivery of training itself.
Romanian language classes have started in Odesa for participants registered for the pilot courses. The programme is divided into three age groups:
– children aged 5 to 17;
– young people aged 18 to 35;
– adults aged 36 and over.
A separate schedule has been developed for each group. Class times were selected by the participants themselves through voting, ensuring that the lessons are convenient and do not interfere with work, studies or family responsibilities. Classes are held twice a week.
The organisers have also made it possible for participants to join the programme after the course has already started. Participants have access to video recordings of the lessons, allowing them to catch up on missed classes, review the material and keep pace with the group. At the beginning of each new session, teachers also briefly review previously covered material.
The courses are delivered in a hybrid format. Some participants attend classes in person at the educational centre in Odesa, while others join online.
The geography of the participants has already expanded well beyond a single city. The courses have attracted residents of Izmail and other communities of Odesa Bessarabia, Ukrainians currently living in Romania, as well as participants from Norway, Canada and Poland.
This format makes it possible to bring together people of different ages, backgrounds and places of residence in a single learning group. At the same time, the classes remain interactive and dynamic: teachers work with the entire group while also paying attention to each individual participant.
The teaching team includes specialists selected on a voluntary basis, including native Romanian speakers. The children’s group is taught by a lecturer from K. D. Ushynsky South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University.
The youngest participants are particularly candid when describing their experience of the courses.
“I like learning Romanian. The lessons are fun and interesting, and the teacher explains everything well. I already know many new words!” says Mykhailo.
His classmate Vladyslava also enjoys attending the lessons: “We play, communicate and learn new Romanian words together. Our group is very friendly!”
To implement the educational programme, an office and a modern classroom have been set up in central Odesa, equipped with everything necessary for both in-person and remote learning.
The organisers have focused not only on the educational process but also on creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Breaks, tea and coffee are provided during the sessions, along with opportunities for participants to communicate informally with one another.
Learn Across Borders is now moving from presentations and methodology development to its main practical outcome — real people who are beginning to understand the language of a neighbouring country and communicate more freely with one another.
The courses are already underway, but registration remains open. Anyone interested can join the programme, either in person in Odesa or online.
More information about the project and participation: ro-ua-edu.org.
Project ROUA00342 is implemented by the Association of Local Self-Government Bodies “EU Strategy for the Danube Region” in partnership with the Tulcea County Youth Foundation.
The initiative is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027, funded by the European Union and co-financed by the participating countries. The total project budget amounts to EUR 281,439.93. (danube-region.com.ua, danube-region.com.ua, danube-region.com.ua, ro-ua-edu.org)
This publication has been produced with the support of the European Union. The Association of Local Self-Government Bodies “EU Strategy for the Danube Region” is responsible for its content. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the Programme Management Structures of the Interreg VI-A NEXT 2021–2027 Programme.
