“Learning Together” - a promise to create a world where diversity is valued and every child has an equal chance to learn and succeed

Chisinau, May 31, 2024. Every child has the right to education, regardless of social status, disability, ethnicity, language spoken or region. Ensuring an inclusive environment in all schools and kindergartens across the country, eliminating social barriers and norms, changing society's attitude towards children with disabilities and special educational needs is the commitment of community members from Ungheni and Balti, expressed during local events to promote inclusive education, launched on May 28.

The events are part of the "Learning Together" campaign, implemented by the Ministry of Education and Research, the Republican Center for Psychopedagogical Assistance (RCPA) and UNICEF, and aim to improve intersectoral collaboration between local public authorities, educational institutions, the social, medical and health sectors, the media, parents, children, to ensure access to shared learning environments and identify viable solutions in support of inclusive education at the local level.

In panel discussions, guided by specialists from the Balti and Ungheni Educational Psychological Assistance Services, participants explored practical ways in which community members and public institutions can work together to support and promote inclusive education, but also to improve the inclusive culture of their community by increasing understanding and acceptance of the values of inclusive education, its opportunities and its importance for children with disabilities and special learning needs.

"These events are meant to bring to the forefront the challenges of inclusive education, but also the success stories of children with special educational needs, so that we raise awareness of the need to ensure the right to education for all children. This can only be achieved together with parents, teachers and the whole community", said Inga Grosu, Deputy Director of RCPA.

At the same time, children and pupils' councils were involved in workshops with interactive activities, where, together with the professionals of the Educational Psychological Assistance Service, they discussed the equal right to education, the need to learn together regardless of abilities and the distribution of messages promoting inclusion in school environments.

"Inclusive education is about more than ensuring access to classrooms, it is about creating environments where every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, feels welcome, valued and supported. We truly believe that through joint efforts and collective commitment, we can overcome barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable education system, based on the principle of 'no child left behind'," said Cristina Stratulat, UNICEF Social and Behavioral Change Program Officer.

The events ended with the voting of a resolution outlining the objectives and interventions to be carried out at the local level, on increasing the quality of inclusive education services, cooperation between the education, social and health sectors in order to ensure access to inclusive education, raising public awareness on the inclusion of children in the community and school.

"Learning Together" is a national campaign to raise awareness and promote inclusive education implemented by the Ministry of Education and Research, the Republican Center for Psychopedagogical Assistance and UNICEF. Community involvement events will be held in all districts of the country, with the involvement of the district Psychopedagogical Assistance Services.