The Ministry of Education launches a program to reduce school dropout and functional illiteracy

The Ministry of Education and Research launched the PRIMII program on Monday to prevent functional illiteracy and reduce school dropout among approximately 50,000 primary school students. The project targets schools at high and very high risk of early leaving and has a value of more than 1.21 billion lei.

Financed through the Education and Employment Program 2021–2027, the program will be implemented between September 25, 2026, and December 31, 2029. The funds will cover remedial activities, accelerated learning, “School After School” programs, food, teaching materials, and counseling for students and parents.

The measure is being launched in the context of the 2025 PISA results. Nearly 48% of 15-year-old Romanian students do not reach the minimum reading proficiency level, while 52% do not reach the minimum threshold in mathematics. Overall, 38.5% are below the minimum level simultaneously in reading, mathematics, and science.

State schools providing primary education that appear on the list of eligible institutions, have at least 60 students, and use the Early Warning Mechanism in Education may apply. Applications may be submitted by October 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., to [email protected].