Shirak region will soon have new early learning and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities or developmental delays
The Government of Bulgaria joins UNICEF to promote social inclusion of children
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Yerevan, 29 March 2019 – UNICEF country office in Armenia and the Government of Bulgaria signed a cooperation agreement today with the objective to promote social inclusion of children with disabilities and developmental delays from a young age. The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Arevik Anapiosyan and Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zhanna Adreasyan.
“Children with disabilities have the same basic needs as all other children do. They need the love and care by and in their family, they need to play and communicate with their peers, and opportunities to reach their full potential and to dream. In all that UNICEF does, we see the child and his or her abilities before the rest,” said UNICEF Representative in Armenia Tanja Radocaj.
This is the second joint project launched by both sides. Under this agreement, the Bulgarian Government will allocate 125,000 US$ to UNICEF for providing children with disabilities and developmental delays of Amasia community in Shirak region with early education and rehabilitation services.
“Children with disabilities are the focus of support from Bulgaria and their inclusion in the education sector is a priority for us,” noted Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Armenia, Maria Pavlova Tzotzorkova. "We in Bulgaria strive to improve our domestic policies and practices in this area in order to reach the highest international standards. At the same time, as a country, which underwent profound changes in its child care system Bulgaria has a valuable experience to share with its partners.”
The 18-month project envisions coordinated and collaborative work between the local health, social and educational services. Deputy Minister of Education and Science Arevik Anapiosyan highlighted the importance of intersectoral cooperation for this project and informed that it is built around the best interests of the child and will contribute to early identification of children with disabilities and their full inclusion. Ms. Zhanna Andreasyan, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, added that the project will also contribute to engaging more women in service provision for children at the local level, including mothers of children with disabilities.
UNICEF and the Government of Bulgaria also work together to support child care reforms in Armenia. Here’s more about it!
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