For three years now, democracy is learned through competition and team spirit while playing the elections-related Intellectual Game “What? Where? When?”
Enthusiasm, impatience, competition, adrenaline, skills, team spirit, interest and knowledge. This is how one can describe the atmosphere during the elections-related Intellectual Game “What? Where? When?”. For three years now, the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova has supported the organization of this competition by the Centre for Continuous Electoral Training (CCET) within the Central Electoral Commission.
From one year to another, the competition has gained momentum. Far more teachers and school students learned about “What? Where? When?” as it evolved from a local competition to a game organized regionally and nationwide. Over the last three years, the competition was attended by more than 700 pupils from circa 80 schools throughout the Republic of Moldova.
The 2019 final game “What? Where? When?” brought together 12 teams of school students who came here after winning the regional phases of the Game conducted during 25 April — 28 May 2019 in several districts of the country and in Chisinau Municipality. The 12 finalists represent Anenii Noi, Stefan Voda, and Floresti Districts, and Chisinau Municipality.
How to play “What? Where? When?” in the field of elections?
It is simple and easy if you know the answers or apply logical methods. During the regional phase, each school selects a team of pupils to represent it. Several teams from the same region meet together, and the moderator puts the questions. In a very short space of time, the teams shall decide which version of the answer is correct. The questions refer to elections, their history in Moldova and around the world, tackle interesting situations and unusual events, which occurred in the universal history.
Thus, 12 teams embarked in the national phase of the game, which was conducted in two rounds. More than 20 questions were brought in during the first round, tackling a variety of areas, countries, curious and interesting cases. The best four teams qualified for the second round, namely “Spiru Haret” (Chisinau), “Silver” (Anenii Noi), “Enigma” (Anenii Noi), and “Etil Metil” (Ciorescu Commune). And the “Spiru Haret” team won the Game.
Sebastian Casu, school student, “Spiru Haret” high school, Chisinau, member of the winning team
The questions were quite interesting, especially keeping in mind that this is an important field for the development of a state and for citizens, as well as for the modern world. Perhaps, this is the reason why we managed to learn so much and evolve within several hours while playing the game. It was tough for everyone, and none of us thought we might win. We joined the game bearing pessimistic thoughts and attitude. Nonetheless, it came out that when you do not expect to be successful, you win!
Pavel Cabacenco, Director of the Centre for Continuous Electoral Training (CCET)
The intellectual game conducted this year was part of the CCET Campaign “Democracy is learned. Locally through nationally”. We feel enthusiastic there are so many active and vigorous young people in our country who would like to get involved in useful and interesting events, such as “What? Where? When?”. We believe that democracy can be learned, and this activity is conducted especially for this purpose, i.e. to learn democracy in an easy and interesting way.
Dorin Cimil, Chairperson of the Central Electoral Commission
I attended this intellectual competition with great interest, and I have seen how the teams of young people fought for the First Prize, having applied their knowledge and skills on elections-related topics. The students will return home, having acquired more experience and information about the electoral process. And this is important, as many of them would reach the age of voting soon, now acknowledging the significance of their vote to be cast in a few years from now.
The annual competition is held under the “Enhancing democracy in Moldova through inclusive and transparent elections” Project, implemented by UNDP Moldova with the financial support provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Chisinau through the Good Governance Fund, and by the Embassy of Netherlands through Matra Programme.
Eva Bounegru, Project Manager, UNDP Moldova
Civic involvement of young people through interactive and modern methods is a priority for UNDP Moldova. Over the three years of the Intellectual Game “What? Where? When?” organized by CCET I have noticed an increased number of pupils and schools interested to participate in and get acquainted with such activity. We do believe that democracy can be learned both in school and in the family. The juveniles shall develop their civic responsibility before they reach the age of 18, when they would be entitled to vote.
Dragos Revenco, student, “Mihail Sadoveanu” high school, Chisinau
I have decided to be part of the team of my high school to acquire new experience and knowledge. To my mind, we did well in this game, although, I have to acknowledge, we expected to rank much lower. However, we reached that high, and feel proud. I enjoyed this experience pretty much and, frankly speaking, I would love to participate once again.
Anastasia Turcan, student, “Stefan-Voda” high school, Stefan-Voda town
This is my first experience of the game “What? Where? When?”, and I can tell you it was great. Some questions were difficult indeed, but others were tough just at first glance as we managed to find pretty simple responses. With no doubts, we shall know the world history and eminent personalities; however, the logical approach is also important. Sometimes, the answer is hidden right in the question.
Dumitru Stoica, student, “Mihai Eminescu” high school, Floresti Town
Prior to reaching the national phase, we took part in the regional phase of the game. As we did well there, we are part of the final game. Such intellectual games help us evolve and grow. This is true for all the participants, not just for us. Here we can find the answers to difficult questions we were not aware about. In the future, our general culture would be richer; therefore, we might do well should we face situations like that during other events. The electoral field seems to be quite interesting, especially in the light of such activities. As a rule, when reading something about elections, one can get bored; nonetheless, when engaged in activities of this kind, it seems to be catchy to learn about elections held locally, nationally and internationally. Indeed, it is a valuable asset for us. This is especially so as some of us reached already the age of 18 and voted for the first time.
Rodica Morosanu, teacher, Gymnasium of Anenii Noi town
The pupils are emotional beings at all times, but they are always prepared. Intellectual games are a common practice in the schools of Anenii Noi. Since the fifth grade, the children learn logical questions and get prepared. And as soon as they reach the upper secondary level we engage them in the district phase of the Game. When we manage to rank high or qualify for the republican phase, we eagerly join it. Today we brought in three teams, two of them from gymnasium and one from a lyceum. This experience puts the students in a position to arrive at strong and balanced opinions, to formulate and pursue a goal, to strive and attain something, regardless of the fact whether they win or lose the game, to make them wishing to go forward and achieve more accomplishments.
