Campaign "Learning Together!"
A communication campaign for social and behavioral change regarding the educational inclusion of children with disabilities and special educational needs
The Ministry of Education and Research, the Republican Center for Psychopedagogical Assistance, and UNICEF Moldova have initiated the communication campaign for behavioral and social change regarding the educational inclusion of children with disabilities, titled "Learning Together." This campaign also supports the implementation of the National Program for Promoting Inclusive Education 2023-2027.
The communication campaign takes a positive approach, promoting positive models and practices of educational inclusion, while also demonstrating behavioral models for various social actors (teachers, parents, children) in order to facilitate and support the inclusion of children with disabilities and special educational needs.
The situation in the country regarding the inclusion of children with disabilities and special educational needs in educational institutions
According to the Republican Center for Psychopedagogical Assistance, in 2024, out of the total of 460,835 children enrolled in kindergartens and schools across the country, 11,471 are children with special educational needs (SEN). Of these, 5,753 are children with disabilities attending preschool and school institutions.
The qualitative sociological study on opinions, perceptions, and attitudes regarding the inclusion of children with disabilities or special educational needs, conducted by CBS AXA in December 2023, served as a reference study for the initiation of the "Learning Together" campaign. According to the results, children with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova do not fully benefit from their right to education. Many parents and teachers continue to face challenges in the inclusion process due to the lack of adapted infrastructure, insufficient support staff, and inadequate training. Moreover, misconceptions and stigmatization remain major obstacles, both from peers and the community. Some parents believe that the presence of children with disabilities in the classroom would negatively impact the education of other children, while others think that these children should be educated at home or in special institutions.
The overall objective of the campaign is to change society's attitude towards children with disabilities and special educational needs, by reducing stigmatization and discrimination, and promoting educational and social inclusion.
Promoting educational inclusion and behavioral change
Interventions for social and behavioral change are implemented at the individual, family (friends/colleagues), community, and institutional levels (teachers, community leaders, media). The main platforms used include community involvement, the media, and service delivery platforms, while the major approaches employed have included: communication for social and behavioral change, social mobilization, community engagement, and advocacy through the media and digital platforms, local government mechanisms, civil society networks and organizations, schools, universities, and medical and social institutions.
During the campaign period, a Comparative Study on the Inclusion of Children with Special Educational Needs in the Education System was conducted, with data showing improvements in caregivers' attitudes towards inclusion. For example, 40% of caregivers opted for the inclusion of children in mainstream educational institutions, compared to 23% in 2018. Additionally, 60% of teachers declared themselves open to the educational inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream institutions, an increase from 41% in 2018. Students' opinions regarding the inclusion of children with disabilities remain mixed, but a continuous increase in tolerance is observed. In 2024, only 16% of students expressed strong disagreement with the inclusion of children with disabilities, down from 19% in 2018 and 36% in 2012.
Furthermore, 97.6% of participants in inclusive education promotion activities stated they are open to contributing to intersectoral commitments to promote inclusive education, while 96.7% of children mentioned they agree to promote inclusion in their schools.
Testimonials – "Learning Together!"
Infographics – "Learning Together!"
