PACT (Applied Projects in Transdisciplinary Contexts) for IMPACT is an innovative initiative marking a significant step towards modernising education in Romania. What makes this project unique is the collaborative partnership at its core—an international private school and a public school working together to develop innovative, scalable, and replicable teaching and learning models that can be implemented in any school across the country.

Our school has been selected under the “Grants for Pilot Education Units” programme, financed through European funds (PNRR – Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan), to lead a project that will redefine how mathematics is taught and learned in primary education.

The funding agreement was officially signed in December 2024 at the Ministry of Education.

A Partnership Built on Collaboration

Avenor’s partner in this initiative is Gheorghe Vernescu School in Râmnicu Sărat, a public school with a highly diverse student population in terms of economic, cultural, and social backgrounds.

Together, we are implementing the PACT for IMPACT project, which was submitted in July 2024 and selected among 51 winning projects from a total of 129 applications.

Following two visits—one at Avenor and one at Gheorghe Vernescu—we are more convinced than ever that this collaboration will take us where we aspire to go. The dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm of the teachers in Râmnicu Sărat, guided by Geanina Lalu Popescu and Angelina Rivera Rocabado, have deeply impressed us.

Why is This Project Important?

At Avenor College, we always look to the future, fostering partnerships that have the power to transform education. PACT for IMPACT is a clear example of this commitment.

“This initiative is one of the first steps in expanding Avenor’s educational model, spreading our philosophy and best practices to a wider community. Designed as a scalable and replicable framework, the project has the potential to be implemented nationwide, contributing directly to the modernisation of the Romanian education system. We are thrilled to be pioneering this change in partnership with a state school ready to experiment with new approaches to teaching and learning, demonstrating their effectiveness and long-term benefits.” — Diana Segărceanu, Founder and Executive Director, Avenor College

Transforming the Way Mathematics is Taught

PACT for IMPACT focuses on developing mathematical literacy and critical and creative thinking skills, while also providing teachers with access to continuous professional development, mentoring, and co-teaching opportunities. The transdisciplinary approach connects mathematics with real-life situations, making learning more engaging and meaningful for students.

“Many students struggle with mathematics, finding it abstract, difficult, and disconnected from real life. Traditional teaching methods—explanations, examples, and exercises—often fail to address students’ diverse learning needs, leading to low motivation and rote learning. This project introduces a new approach focused on concept exploration, fostering a deeper understanding and enabling knowledge transfer across subjects. Additionally, it provides tools for self-reflection and teaching mentorship, encouraging collaborative learning and professional development within our educational communities. Our goal is to make learning both effective and engaging, tailored to the needs of both students and teachers.“— Daniela Vasile, Director of Learning at Avenor and Educational Coordinator of the Project

Through mentoring, teacher training, and the development of professional learning communities, this project aims to redefine the learning experience, ensuring it is both impactful and student-centred.

Key Components of the Project

A vital element of PACT for IMPACT is the “School After School” programme at Gheorghe Vernescu Secondary School in Râmnicu Sărat. This initiative provides 120 students from disadvantaged backgrounds with access to interactive workshops and themed clubs, offering them a structured and engaging learning environment under teacher supervision. The programme follows a transdisciplinary approach, ensuring that learning remains relevant and connected to real-world contexts.

“Our mission is to transform our school into a more engaging, relevant, and conscious learning environment. Schools evolve when teachers evolve. This project supports the professional growth of educators, equipping them with the skills needed to meet students’ needs and align with 21st-century educational standards. It also helps reduce school dropout rates by providing stimulating and inclusive learning experiences that benefit the entire school community.” — Geanina Lalu-Popescu, Headteacher, Gheorghe Vernescu School

Additionally, the project will develop, test, and introduce a teacher competency framework to help educators adapt their teaching methods to modern educational standards.

Innovation and Long-Term Impact

By embracing a practical and transdisciplinary approach, PACT for IMPACT has the potential to change students’ perceptions of mathematics, making it more accessible and applicable to their everyday lives. Teachers will be empowered to implement innovative teaching strategies, fostering a more inclusive and forward-thinking educational environment.

PACT (Applied Projects in Transdisciplinary Contexts) for IMPACT, project code e-PNRR 22, was selected under the “Grants for Pilot Education Units” call and is funded through Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

The project will be implemented between December 2024 and March 2026, with a total budget of 1,915,403 RON (including VAT and ineligible costs), allocated as follows:

  • Avenor Secondary School: 808,884 RON (€161,776)
  • Gheorghe Vernescu School: 1,106,519 RON (€221,318)