Moldova’s Inclusive Education Gala honors top schools
The Inclusive Education Gala, now in its seventh year, is a significant annual event in the Republic of Moldova.
It honors schools and educational institutions that have distinguished themselves by their efforts to implement and promote inclusive education. At this year’s gala, ten institutions were recognized for creating inclusive and welcoming learning environments for all children, regardless of their challenges.
A Model of Inclusion
This year, “Regina Maria” Kindergarten in Ialoveni was named the model institution for inclusive education. The kindergarten serves over 500 children, including 58 with various disabilities. The director emphasizes the need for specialized care and support for these children, which the institution’s staff provides.
“It’s not easy, but through collective effort, we’re continuously developing these services. People trust us, and children thrive here. Our greatest achievement is fostering a more tolerant and empathetic community,” said Tatiana Vrăjmaș, the kindergarten’s director.
Inclusive Excellence
“Mihai Eminescu” High School in Căușeni is another institution making strides in social inclusion. Twenty students with special needs attend the school, receiving support from dedicated teachers and specialists. “All teachers, including support staff, work closely with these students, both individually and in group activities with their peers, parents, and grandparents,” explained Olga Ostaș, the high school director.
A Commitment to Inclusive Education
The Ministry of Education aims to further advance inclusive education by equipping more schools with assistive devices and improving individualized programs for students with special educational needs.
“This year, we’re establishing 150 resource centers in kindergartens, in partnership with UNICEF. We’ve also invested in assistive devices, such as screen magnifiers, magnifying glasses, and sound amplifiers, particularly for students with severe hearing or visual impairments,” said Minister of Education Dan Perciun.
A Growing Movement
At the start of the 2022/2023 academic year, approximately 10,500 students with special educational needs and disabilities were enrolled in primary and secondary schools across the country. While this number has remained relatively stable in recent years, it has doubled since 2013, indicating a growing commitment to inclusive education in the Republic of Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
