Motto: “Non scholae sed vitae discimus”
(“We do not learn for school, but for life”)
Seneca Philosophus, “Epistulae”

On August 29, 1991, in the context when the legislation was confused in terms of
private education, by a Governmental decision, there was established the Experimental Lyceum of Creativity and Invention “Prometeu”. On September 1, 1991, the first two classes of 18 pupils started their new academic year in a new formula, a revolutionary one for that period, within the first private educational institution in the Republic of Moldova. Mircea Snegur, the first President of the Republic of Moldova (1990-1996), personally
supported the edification of the new institution. Through the establishment of this school,
there was catalyzed the alternative education in the new independent country. At present, the institution includes an integral cycle: primary (elementary), secondary and high school education, organically assembled in the educational cluster Primary School “Prometeu-Junior” and Lyceum “Prometeu-Prim”. Currently, the Lyceum “Prometeu- Prim” is the most rated secondary education institution in the Republic of Moldova. Its students
have had the highest general average at baccalaureate exams – 8,56, at the session 2016, including 9,33 – for the English language and 9,39 – for chemistry. The high school graduates continue their studies in the most prestigious educational institutions all over the world. Being a private lyceum, it is entirely financed from extrabudgetary resources. At the same time, we should also refer to the philanthropic dimension promoted by the management of this institution. The gifted pupils from socially-vulnerable families, national and international Olympians, the children of the employees of this institution are exempted from tax for education. In the light of realities revealed de visu, we could highlight the following:
1. The parent, psychologist, teacher, writer, publicist, manager, architect of the Lyceum is Aurelian Silvestru, PhD in psychology, Knight of the “Order of the Republic” (2009) and of the Order of “Cultural Merit” in the degree of Officer on behalfof the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis (2016). A. Silvestru has every reason, knowledge and necessary training for building and strengthening this wonder-lyceum. He took his doctor`s degree in the field of creativity and self-knowledge at the Institute of Psychology in Moscow, he has a rich didactical and scientific-didactical experience in the field; this is why, the entire structure,
infrastructure, teaching personnel, children of this elite educational institutions went through his heart and mind. Together with N. Dabija, he is the co-author of “Daciada”, the first history textbook for primary school. (I can confess that
this work, even since my childhood, brought me to choose history as my basic field of study). In the first and last day of the academic year, Aurelian Silvestru, Director of the institution, reads the parables to his students; he is also the author of the Anthem of the Lyceum “Prometeu”. A. Silvestru is the one who has positively influenced the lives of thousands of children. Or, to paraphrasethe French romantic Victor Hugo (1802-1885), “he who opens a school closes a prison cell”.

2. On September 28, 2016, the number of pupils studying within this institution represented 1361. The establishment comprises 55 classes, including 25 primary, 24 secondary, and 6 high school. It is one of the few high schools in the Republic of Moldova where there are six first-grade classes! If we didn’t know the disastrous demographic realities of our country, we would have the impression that were witnessing a baby boom.

3. In the early years of the institution, the majority of the teaching personnel – 18 teacherswere from Romania. Their work was governed by the bilateral agreements between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. The education was made on the basis of the Romanian teaching materials. Gradually, the education turned to textbooks drawn up and published in Chisinau.

4. 139 teachers are involved in the educational process within the Lyceum, including 8 PhDs, 20 with Master`s degree, 23 with higher academic degree, 40 teachers with academic degree I, 31 teachers with academic degree II. The teachers in this school are the authors of “Abecedar” (Silvia Cotelea, Aurelia Ermicioi), French language textbooks (Zinaida Virlan, Maria Scobioala), English textbooks (Galina Chira, Margareta Dusciac, Maria Gisca), Romanian language and literature (C. Schiopu, PhD in Philology), mathematics (P. Efros, doctor of science in physical-mathematical sciences), the textbook of “Moral-spiritualm education” in primary school (A. Silvestru, D. Andrei, Iulia Scripnic), the French-language Curriculum, Silvia Voroniuc, guides, tests, assessments etc. Some teachers are nominated with State awards and honorary degrees.
It is worth mentioning that the teachers, Maria Efros, Margareta Dusciac and Larisa Avdeev, are awarded with Order of “Civic Merit”, and Mrs. Zinaida Virlan – with the honorary title of “Om Emerit” (“Emeritus Person”).

5. It is the first Lyceum from the Republic of Moldova where there has been initiated the optional study of religion even since 1991, thus being emphasized the spiritual values in juvenile education. The Primary school “Prometeu-Junior” has been the place where there had been built and consecrated the church “Sfanta Treime” (“Holy Trinity”), in November 2001. The three priests of the holy place carried out studies in theology (Vlad Mihaila, Vasile Petrov and Ioan Cosoi, Doctor of Theology), being teachers of religion in
the institution.

6. It is a school where the space is being very rationally enhanced. The territorial area of the institution represents 5087 sq.m., and the classrooms – 3530 sq.m. Despite a relatively small area, it features a large courtyard, educational premises, a holy place, dining room, two gyms and even two apartment buildings for teachers. You may see a type of intensive architecture when using the space. Initially, here there was an untapped place.

7. Every third pupil from the school is awarded in national and international competitions.
The school is the place where European and world champions in sport dance and chess, along with their peers, study. Moreover, chess is an optional discipline in this institution.

8. When taking a closer look, one can see that even the pupils` games carried out in the
schoolyard, are innovative and creative. It’s a bee buzz combined with the dynamics of life.

9. A walnut tree grows in the yard of the Primary School “Prometeu-Junior”. Although close to the tree, just two metres away from it, there are raised numerous constructions, the walnut tree has been protected, and currently it is maintaining the safety of the whole architectural installation of the school “embracing” children and teachers.

10. The Primary School “Prometeu-Junior” and the Lyceum “Prometeu-Prim” represent an emblem of the educational performances of the Republic of Moldova worldwide. When there will, be at least one school of this type in every district of the Republic of Moldova, you will be ablem to consider, unequivocally, that the society has reached a high level of socio-educational development, a commensurable element with the powerfully industrialized countries.

Ion Valer XENOFONTOV,
doctor in history