Novopolotsk Educators to Learn Fundamentals of Inclusive Education under EU Project

Teachers from Novopolotsk will be trained in the fundamentals of inclusive education within the EU project "Novopolotsk – from an Inclusive School to an Inclusive City," as reported to BELTA by the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee.

This project has been implemented by the City Executive Committee with financial support from the European Union since November 1, 2016. One of the overarching goals of the project is to ensure equal educational opportunities for children and youth, tailored to their needs and individual capabilities, based on the principles of inclusion. A seminar for educators from Novopolotsk educational institutions will be one of the project's activities.

"The first step towards achieving this goal is to enhance the competence and professionalism of local government representatives, heads and teachers of the city's educational institutions, parents, as well as students and faculty of Polotsk State University. To this end, a series of training seminars and workshops for various target groups are planned. The first seminar will be held from February 7-10 at Secondary School No. 8, where 20 city teachers will undergo training on key issues of inclusion under the guidance of experienced trainers," noted Tatyana Paradnya, Deputy Director of Secondary School No. 8.

During the seminar, teachers will acquire the following competencies: knowledge and understanding of the value orientations of inclusive education (key benefits), proficiency in the conceptual vocabulary on the subject, understanding of the basic principles of inclusive education, and comprehension of the differences between integrated and inclusive education. It is expected that this will broadly impact the social environment by improving the code of conduct of Novopolotsk residents in terms of mobility and tolerance towards people with disabilities. Previously, the city joined UNICEF's global initiative aimed at protecting children's rights and creating conditions for their comprehensive development, earning the honorary title of "City Friendly to Children." The new EU external assistance project is designed for three years and is a logical continuation of a series of city initiatives. Public associations "Belarusian Transport Union" and "Belarusian Society of Disabled Persons" will assist in implementing all planned project activities. An interdepartmental commission for the development of an inclusive environment has been established under the City Executive Committee, along with a working group that includes all interested parties.

Secondary School No. 8 is one of the main entities implementing the project, as it is here, among others, that "special" children study – those with various disabilities and impairments. The institution serves as a republican experimental platform for "Testing the model of inclusive education in educational institutions." The teaching staff is undergoing distance professional development on the educational program "Pedagogical Innovations in Inclusive Education." Within the framework of the EU project, significant improvements will be made at the school: the sports ground will be reconstructed, enabling students with musculoskeletal disorders to participate equally with others; a lift will be installed in the 3-story school building for wheelchair users; and equipment for distance learning will be procured for those who are medically advised not to leave their homes.

News of Belarus (BELTA)