In a classroom in Orhei, children are learning skills that could shape their futures — building robots, solving problems and thinking creatively. For 11-year-old Alisa, these lessons are already opening new horizons. “I want to become the first woman from Moldova to go to space,” she says confidently. For now, she is taking her first steps towards that dream at the Robotix robotics school.
Robotix opened its doors in Orhei in spring 2024, founded by professional programmer Sergiu Smîntînă. The new branch was made possible with support from the European Union, provided under its EU4Business initiative and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Confidence Building Measures Programme. The first Robotix school was launched in Chişinău during the pandemic, when interest in digital skills and innovative learning began to grow rapidly.
Sergiu saw early on that traditional teaching methods often make technology feel intimidating for children. “Robotics is about understanding cause and effect,” he explains. “But many children struggle with abstract concepts, especially when working with Arduino circuits. After analysing the market, I realised that LEGO-based systems were the best way to turn theory into something children can see, touch and understand.”
At Robotix, children and teenagers do far more than assemble LEGO bricks. Using a hands-on learning platform grounded in real science, they build, test and programme their own robots, learning through experimentation rather than memorisation.
“LEGO Education is completely different from traditional schooling,” Sergiu says. “You don’t start with formulas on a blackboard. You experiment first, make mistakes, and only then understand why something works or doesn’t. There are many ways to reach the same result — and that freedom helps children think independently.”
Every Saturday, Sergiu travels to Orhei to introduce local children to robotics. Thanks to EU4Business support, the school is now equipped with modern learning tools, including robotics kits, sensors, motors, tablets, programming hubs and an interactive whiteboard. These resources allow every child to actively participate and develop logical thinking, creativity and teamwork skills.
Sergiu is particularly keen to encourage more girls to join robotics classes. “From experience, girls often bring incredibly creative ideas that go beyond the technical side. We want them to feel that technology is for them too,” he says.
Anastasia Ureche, one of the robotics mentors, joined the school with no prior background in robotics. “This is my first experience in this field, and I absolutely love it,” she says. “At first, I thought it wasn’t for me, but after just a few lessons, I realised I could manage. I enjoy learning alongside the children — we grow together.”
Ten-year-old Victor, one of her students, is already convinced. “We build robots and programme them to move,” he explains enthusiastically. “The tablet shows us everything step by step, so it’s easy to learn. I wish we had classes like this at school — they’re fun and don’t feel difficult.”
Sergiu Smîntînă is one of 20 entrepreneurs from both sides of the Nistru River who have received support to start or grow their businesses. By investing in small and medium-sized enterprises through its EU4Business initiative, the European Union — together with UNDP — is helping create new opportunities, strengthen local communities and build trust across the region.
Through Robotix, EU4Business support is not only helping a business grow — it is empowering a new generation of children to imagine bigger futures and develop the skills to achieve them.
