Distinguished guests, colleagues, and most importantly, the children and families here today,
We gather here not only to celebrate progress but to confront a challenge that touches the core of our values as a society. The handover of nearly 500 assistive devices today is a significant step, but it’s part of a much larger journey—one towards true inclusion in education and beyond.
Our recent study on inclusion of children with disabilities revealed that only one half of children and young people with hearing or visual impairments are embraced within educational and social environments.
This is why UNICEF, together with the Global Partnership for Education, has made this significant investment in assistive technologies for sensorial impairments, amounting to more than 3 million lei.
Children with sensory disabilities are in a unique position because their challenges often have clear, practical solutions. Technology can be a great equalizer, not by erasing differences but by making those differences irrelevant to participation. These tools open doors to mainstream education and show us what’s possible when barriers are removed—not just for those who use them but for the communities that benefit from their inclusion.
These technologies are not symbolic gestures; they are tangible solutions. They include Braille typewriters, video magnifiers, and screen-reading software—tools that can transform how children with disabilities experience education.
But let’s be clear: this is not just about providing equipment. Assistive technologies don’t make everyone the same—they allow individuals to express their unique abilities and perspectives. A child using a screen reader isn’t just learning; they are contributing in ways that enrich the entire classroom, demonstrating that inclusion enhances everyone’s experience, not just their own.
For decades, societies valued uniformity, believing it was the key to stability. But the world we live in today tells a different story. Diversity isn’t a weakness. A classroom where every child learns —regardless of their ability—doesn’t just prepare students for the future; it shapes the kind of future we want to live in. It teaches that the world is richer when we embrace its full spectrum of experiences.
To the children and families here today: you remind us why this work matters. These devices are lifelines to opportunity and belonging. They are here to ensure that your voices are heard, your talents recognized, and your contributions valued.
To our partners—the Global Partnership for Education, the European Union, and the Ministry of Education and Research—you show what can be achieved when we come together with a clear purpose. Today’s investment is about more than education; it’s about breaking down the walls that still separate too many children from the opportunities they deserve.
As Moldova continues its journey toward EU integration, it must carry forward this principle: that education isn’t just about academics; it’s about ensuring that every child feels they belong. Today, we take another step toward that vision, but there’s more work ahead. Inclusion is not a final destination—it’s a continuous effort to build a society where everyone is valued.
Thank you for your dedication, your collaboration, and your belief that every child’s potential is worth fighting for. Together, let’s make sure the classrooms of today prepare us for a future where no one is left out.
Thank you.
