Moldova Honors 15 Laureates of the National Award for Older People

On the International Day of Older Persons, October 1, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection honored the winners of the National Award “For an Active Life at Any Age.” This year, the commission reviewed 29 applications and selected 15 laureates aged between 68 and 80. The awards went to people who continue to be actively involved in science, education, culture, sports, volunteering, and community activities:

— Teodora-Rodica Bîrsan, 74 — a teacher and founder of the public museum of history and ethnography in Sărătenii Vechi. She works to preserve local heritage and crafts;

— Victor Gorban, 75 — a scientist with more than 50 years of experience in biological plant protection, and the author and co-author of 75 publications and 28 patents;

— Sergiu Romandaș, 76 — a musician, conductor of the folk music orchestra “Hora Petrenilor,” and founder of the “Moșii” ensemble;

— Mikhail Nazarov, 80 — a Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, a researcher at the Institute of Applied Physics of Moldova State University, and the author of more than 50 popular science and travel books;

— Elena Sazhin, 70 — vice president for international relations of the Association of Former Deportees and Political Prisoners of Moldova;

— Margareta Keptănari, 73 — a promoter of traditional cuisine and local artisanal products, and winner of the Grand Prix at the 2024 “Mai Dulce” festival;

— Alexandra Postovan, 69 — coordinator of the “Ambassadors of Maturity” initiative group in Drochia, involved in volunteer and community projects;

— Mihail Rapcea, 71 — a scientist in viticulture and horticulture, Doctor Habilitatus in Agricultural Sciences, and the author and co-author of more than 260 scientific works, monographs, textbooks, and patents;

— Constantin Moraru, 78 — a mechanical engineer and founder of the “C.D.T.-Agro” training center, which has trained more than 500 specialists. A multiple-time Moldovan champion and promoter of traditional trînta wrestling;

— Nicolae Uncuță, 71 — vice president of the northern branch of the Association of Former Deportees and Political Prisoners of Moldova. This year, he took part in creating the “Train of Pain” exhibition at Slobozia-Bălți station;

— Emilia Surdaru, 75 — a French teacher, former school principal, and former mayor of the village of Chetrosu;

— Fevronia Șelaru, 71 — chair of the Hîncești branch of the “Bunicii Grijulii” association, participating in educational and social projects;

— Vasily Stoyanov, 72 — a physics teacher at the capital’s “Titu Maiorescu” lyceum, and founder and first director of the “Vasil Levski” Bulgarian theoretical lyceum;

— Zinovia Neikoveanu, 71 — a geography teacher with 53 years of experience, involved in volunteering and the development of local tourism;

— Vasile Gîdilicî, 68 — a graduate of the University of the Third Age and a volunteer who organizes educational and recreational activities for children.

Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru presented the laureates with diplomas and congratulated the country’s older residents on the holiday.

“Our older people set an example of engagement, energy, and dedication. They contribute to the development of communities and the preservation of the values that define us,” the minister said.

The National Award “For an Active Life at Any Age” is held annually and aims to support active aging and the participation of older people in public life. In 2026, the competition was held for the tenth time.