Project on Inclusive Early Childhood Education for Children with Disabilities starts in 90 Schools

Ankara, 24 September 2019 –

Participants gathered today at the launch of the implementation phase of the Inclusive Early Childhood Education for Children with Disabilities Project which covers 90 schools distributed over 6 provinces. This initiative aims to provide children with and without disabilities a chance to develop, learn and thrive together, both in their classrooms and in their communities.

The project will lead to an increase in the number of children with disabilities enrolled in early childhood education. Using evidence-based data, it will also contribute to increasing the awareness of families, caregivers, decision makers and community leaders about inclusive education rights, opportunities, and the importance of school-family collaboration. The project will equip teachers, administrators and other education personnel with essential knowledge and skills to foster inclusive education environments. 

Mustafa Safran, Deputy Minister of Education stated: “As outlined in the Education Vision 2023, every child can walk the path that reaches from education to career in the light of their interests, talents and tendencies; and it is our fundamental mission to provide them with opportunities to fulfil their potentials. Research shows that, when children with different developmental characteristics and learning needs come together in the same leaning environment, not only children with disabilities but all children thrive developmentally and academically. Through this project, implemented under the Directorate General of Basic Education of Ministry of National Education, we aim to provide increased access to quality and inclusive early education and 1^st grade for all young children with disabilities.”

The project in this initial phase will benefit at least 32,000 children and their families in 90 pilot schools across Antalya, Bursa, Gaziantep, İzmir, Konya and Samsun. This project is being implemented through a close partnership between the Ministry of National Education and UNICEF, with the financial support of the European Union.

Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF Representative to Turkey, during his intervention declared: “Every child has the right to learn – from preschool onwards, regardless of possible differences. Ensuring that all children; boys and girls, with or without disabilities, have access to quality inclusive learning opportunities is critical, not just for children and their families but for the whole society. This is what this partnership between the Ministry of National Education, EU and UNICEF is aiming to achieve.”

Under this project several innovative educational materials are being produced to meet the learning needs of children. These creative resources will support the enhancement of the teaching and learning environment for all children in Turkey.

Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of European Union Delegation to Turkey, said "Children with special needs deserve quality education to develop their skills and realize their dreams, just like all other children. This project will help MoNE in providing affordable and quality education services for all children in Turkey."