6 February 2009: Inclusive school in Ingushetia: one year on
Classmates help Khava to collect her textbooks and notepads from the desk and button up her coat. Khava gives them a shy smile and her thanks. She is a first grade student at the secondary school #10 of Nazran district of Ingushetia, but unlike her friends she started her classes long before 1 September last year. A year ago, in February 2008, with UNICEF’s support, school # 10 became the first inclusive school in the North Caucasus. At inclusive schools disabled kids can get education along their peers and therefore become part of the everyday life of society. Promoting inclusiveness is one of UNICEF’s strategic priorities in Russia. UNICEF fights against the stigma and discrimination in society that prevents children from enjoying the rights they all have, regardless of their abilities, health status or origins. Khava was one of the first students of the correctional group meant for disabled kids’ adaptation to the school routines. UNICEF provided special school furniture for the correctional classroom, audio/video and other equipment for a special recreational room. In every participating school physical access is ensured: a ramp is constructed, doorsteps are adapted for wheelchairs, toilets fitted to the needs of the disabled.
Khava also became the first student of the correctional group that after just half a year was transferred to a regular group of students. Her teacher Galina says that “Khava's attitude to studies is even more enthusiastic than that of other students. The only problem she has is with calligraphy; her letters are often unruly.” Minister of education of Ingushetia Lema Izmaylova is very happy with the government's cooperation with UNICEF. During a recent visit to the school together with other republican government representatives and UNICEF officials she said that “hopefully the number of disabled kids attending the school will increase after remodelling of the minibus that will be able to transport children with special needs to the school and back home.” Today there are already five inclusive schools in the North Caucasus. Rashed Mustafa, head of the North Caucasus UNICEF office, says that “inclusive schools supported by UNICEF will serve as an example of best practice for others. Ideally all schools will become inclusive and open to all kids.” UNICEF's programme on inclusive education in the North Caucasus is funded by the European Commission. For more information contact UNICEF Communications Officer Andrei Muchnik at: amuchnik@unicef.org or +7 928 796 6133
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