The Association for Values in Education (AVE) has reached ten years of activity, celebrating a decade in which it has irreversibly influenced how schools function in Romania. Through programs that placed principals, teachers, and students at the center of transformation, the organization has reached over 200,000 children and attracted nearly €9.5 million in financial resources, with support from the business sector and educational partners.
Leadership for Transforming Romanian Schools
One of AVE’s most significant initiatives has been strengthening the role of school principals as agents of change. Through the School Leadership and Management Academy (ALMS), 260 principals received support to become managers capable of mobilizing resources and developing a strategic vision for their communities. The program has directly impacted the lives of over 76,000 students.
Each principal worked alongside a business mentor who guided them in identifying challenges, finding solutions, and creating actionable plans tailored to their school’s reality. Beyond immediate results, this model established a network of educational leaders who inspire other schools.
Since 2017, through the Principals of the Year Awards Gala, AVE has recognized those who demonstrated courage, perseverance, and vision. Over 6,000 principals were nominated, and 34 awardees became examples of leadership in education. The Gala’s jury brings together professionals from diverse fields, including human resources specialists, business leaders, journalists, students, and representatives of the Ministry of Education.
Programs Tailored to School Needs
AVE has developed interventions adapted to each educational community to generate sustainable change. Edu Networks (2019–2023) is one such example, where 101 schools received support for institutional transformation, impacting 64,000 children and 3,600 teachers.
HumanKind, conducted in partnership with MindUP | The Goldie Hawn Foundation, introduced an innovative socio-emotional approach in schools. Twelve educational units and 1,500 students participated in activities designed to foster a safe and supportive environment, guided by psychologists and psychotherapists.
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The Schools Transformation Program in Romania, launched in 2023, continues this mission. It focuses on developing teacher competencies, strengthening executive teams, and creating ecosystems that support students in acquiring eight key skills – from literacy and STEM abilities to digital and socio-emotional competencies. Currently, 100 schools participate in this program, with an estimated impact on 60,000 children.
Public Policy and Evaluation Tools
Transforming Romanian schools cannot be complete without evidence-based public policies. AVE contributed to the new Pre-university Education Law through the “A Voice for Education” alliance, with 65% of proposed reforms incorporated into the law. The organization also supported the establishment of the Community for Excellence in School Management, a national structure that brings together principals from all counties and advocates for professionalizing school leadership.
To support data-driven decisions, AVE, alongside partners such as BRIO, developed standardized evaluation tools for students, teachers, and principals. Nearly 20,000 students were assessed in literacy, and over 22,000 evaluated their socio-emotional skills. Additionally, the first National Report on Numerical Literacy in Romania was produced.
Principals involved in AVE programs used a comprehensive 360° self-assessment and feedback tool to measure leadership competencies. Similarly, teachers underwent multi-source evaluations, including feedback from colleagues, students, and parents.
Partnership with the Business Sector
A distinctive aspect of AVE’s work is the involvement of the business sector. Beyond financial resources, the organization benefited from the expertise and energy of over 830 professionals who served as mentors and coaches for principals and teachers.
From initial revenues of €37,000 in 2015, AVE has reached a cumulative budget of €9.5 million, supported by 205 funding companies and 18 educational partners. This financial growth reflects the private sector’s trust in AVE’s mission and the relevance of its projects.
A Vision for the Next Decade
AVE’s core message remains that every child has potential and deserves an educational ecosystem that supports them. Simona Pavelescu, the organization’s Executive Director, emphasizes that over ten years, a model has been built that centers on the inspired teacher, the cohesive leadership team, and the principal capable of mobilizing the community. This combination creates schools transformed from within, where students gain not only skills but also emotional balance and well-being.
With an extensive network of schools, teachers, and partners involved, AVE aims to continue transforming Romanian education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for complete and harmonious development.
Photo: freepik.com
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