On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the National Association of Young Historians of Moldova (ANTIM), with the financial support of the Leonardo Foundation, organized the Award Ceremony for the participants of the History Contest, Fifth Edition (2025-2026). This year’s theme: War and Peace in History Textbooks, inspired middle and high school students to critically and creatively explore how the topics of war and peace are reflected in the history textbooks of the Republic of Moldova.
The ceremony held a special significance, as it took place on the Day of the Historian, providing a symbolic framework for recognizing the efforts of students as young researchers and for strengthening the role of history education in society and within the national educational environment. The event brought together students, teachers, researchers, and educational partners, marking the consolidation of a community dedicated to promoting a culture of peace and civic values through the study of history.
The participants in the fifth edition were divided into two distinct categories: middle school students (9th grade) and high school students (10th-12th grades), including young people from colleges and vocational schools. The submitted works took the form of individual or group research projects, offering participants the opportunity to explore relevant historical themes and to develop their analytical and argumentative skills.
The projects were designed to encourage reflection on fundamental human values such as peace, cooperation, and solidarity, while also giving students the chance to express their own viewpoints in an original and well-argued manner.
Middle school students had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and critical thinking by choosing one of the three types of projects proposed for this edition: thematic poster, educational podcast, or video report in the form of an ‘imaginary interview.’ This diversity of formats allowed participants to combine historical research with modern means of communication, tailoring the message to their own abilities and interests.
In this category, 35 students participated, coordinated by 15 history teachers, presenting a total of 28 projects: 9 individual and 19 group projects. The results highlighted the active involvement of students and their ability to transform history into a tool for critical analysis of textbooks and for reflection on fundamental values, approached in an original and innovative manner.
High school students had the opportunity to express their creativity and analytical skills by choosing one of the three types of projects proposed for this edition: journal-chronicle, debate podcast, or thematic video documentary. These formats enabled participants to approach the historical theme in diverse ways, combining rigorous research with modern means of communication and artistic expression.
In this category, 46 students participated, guided by 15 teachers, and together they produced 27 projects: 8 individual and 19 group projects. The works demonstrated the young participants’ ability to make use of diverse historical sources, to develop well-argued debates, and to convey, through visual and audio means, a message relevant to their generation, thereby strengthening the connection between history education and civic engagement.
WINNING PROJECTS AT THE HISTORY COMPETITION
WAR AND PEACE IN HISTORY TEXTBOOKS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, FIFTH EDITION
See results:
In this year’s edition of the History Contest, a total of 110 participants registered: 81 students and 29 teachers, who together produced 55 research projects. The high school students who won First Prize will benefit from exceptional international recognition: participation in the EUSTORY Past Forward Festival, held from September 7-11, 2026, and organized by the Körber-Stiftung Foundation in Hamburg, Germany. This experience will provide them with the opportunity to join young historians from across Europe, in a setting dedicated to dialogue, reflection, and the exchange of ideas on the role of history in promoting peace and civic responsibility.
Congratulations to all participants, the students passionate about history and the dedicated teachers, who guided them with patience and professionalism in carrying out their research projects!
This edition has demonstrated that history is not only a subject of study, but also a space for critical reflection, creativity, and intergenerational dialogue, within which students conveyed powerful messages about peace, solidarity, and civic responsibility.
To view the video recording, click HERE