UNICEF offers US$200,000 in support for promoting inclusive education through a memorandum signed with the Ministry of Education. Following the implementation of this memorandum of understanding, the number of children with special educational needs (SENs) integrated into secondary schools will rise by at least 30%, IPN reports.

In a press briefing on October 6, Minister of Education Corin Fusu said the memorandum will be implemented by the National Center for Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance. Over the next two years, teachers will be trained to work with children with SENs. There will also be produced guidebooks and created a website.

The minister noted that the inclusion is a priority for the Ministry, which will thus make effort for every child to feel a fully-fledged member of society.

UNICEF Representative to Moldova Nune Mangasaryan said that this memorandum is like a new child that is to given a start in life. UNICEF is ready to assist the Ministry in implementing this project so as to help achieve new results and all the children go happily to school.

Director of the National Center for Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance Virginia Rusnac said this project represents a great responsibility towards the children of Moldova and its implementation will bring quality and access to education for all the children.

Currently, over 40% of the children with SENs attend secondary schools, while the rest stay at home with the family and are isolated from the community and their mates.