The authorities, institutions from the education, social assistance and healthcare sectors, parents and children, members of civil society undertook to cooperate to eliminate the barriers and create opportunities of access to education for all the children. A resolution to this effect was adopted in the fourth Annual National Conference on Inclusive Education, IPN reports.
Secretary of state in the field of education at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research Natalia Grâu said the education principles should ensure the right to education for everyone. In Moldova, as in other states, education is continuously updated and adjusted to the social, economic and technological developments and challenges. The national policies, the Strategy 2020 and the Education Code were taken into account in the process of implementing the program for developing inclusive education in Moldova for 2011-2020 that is supported by UNICEF.
The program places inclusive education on the list of educational priorities and envisions the inclusion of deinstitutionalized children from residential education institutions.
UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova Desiree Jongsma said inclusive education is not a project, but a feature of the education system. Moldova coped very well in this regard so far. The number of special schools and the number of children in these schools decrease, while the number of children with disabilities who are integrated into ordinary classes goes up and this is a relevant proof. The Republic of Moldova is already given as an example in the region.
Carolina Buzdugan, secretary general of the Alliance of Active NGOs in the field of Child and Family Social Protection, said they want all the children to realize their potential, but this objective can be achieved only by ensuring access to equitable and high-quality education. The Alliance undertook to act as a partner in promoting equitable education by developing programs, by conducting campaigns and offering assistance in training teachers. “Changes can be brought about only by concerted effort,” stated Carolina Buzdugan.
Over 11,000 children with special educational needs study at general education institutions. Another over 700 students study at vocational education establishments.
