Over 250 members of the Student Councils in the capital have committed to promoting inclusion in their schools

The event highlighted the benefits of inclusive education, the challenges, and the solutions that students and the school community can implement to reduce barriers and social norms that hinder the inclusion of children with disabilities and special educational needs in educational institutions.

"Students in an inclusive school actively contribute to shaping an inclusive environment beyond official norms, through their daily attitudes and actions. In such a school, all students feel equal and collaborate, without distinctions, whether in games or school events. This authentic engagement is what sets it apart from a simple plan approved at the managerial level", stated Valentina Olaru, State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova.

Thus, the event participants were appointed as agents of change, or Inclusion Ambassadors, in their schools, and were encouraged to plan and carry out awareness activities, promote acceptance and respect for diversity, and create initiatives that emphasize the importance of including all students, regardless of disabilities, ethnicity, or social status.

"Where there are young people, ambitions are high, as they are the ones who have the power to integrate and promote inclusive education, turning it into reality. The slogan "Learning Together" means more than just being physically present; it means creating, thinking, and implementing beautiful things together. Student Councils are essential mechanisms for promoting inclusion, as they directly involve students in decision-making and in creating an equitable school environment for everyone", noted Galina Bulat, Education Program Coordinator at UNICEF Moldova.

The Inclusion Ambassadors learned how they can transform their school communities into more inclusive and open spaces, and they are now ready to carry forward the message of inclusion in their schools, thanks to the lessons learned through the Social Theatre on inclusion, presented by a team of students from Fălești, with support from the Alternative Dialogue Association.

"To be inclusive means to be friendly, empathetic, and to promote values that include everyone, giving each person a place and a voice. Our role is essential, both in education and in promoting and valuing each child’s abilities", said Angela Cutasevici, Deputy Mayor of Chișinău Municipality.

The Student Council members voted on a resolution in which they publicly committed to contributing to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels supported and respected.

„We encourage Student Councils to initiate activities to promote inclusive education, and today, the appointed Ambassadors should truly be advocates of respect for diversity and cooperation with all students, even during breaks or outside of lessons”, said Cătălina Codău, a representative of the CRAP.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Education and Research, the Republican Center for Psychopedagogical Assistance, the Psychopedagogical Assistance Service of Chișinău, and UNICEF, with financial support from the British Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It is part of the national "Learning Together" campaign to raise awareness and change society’s attitude towards the inclusion of children with disabilities and special educational needs in Moldovan schools. The campaign was launched as part of the implementation of the Inclusive Education Development Program in the Republic of Moldova for 2023-2027.

According to data from the Republican Center for Psychopedagogical Assistance, in 2024, out of the total 460,835 children enrolled in kindergartens and schools in the Republic of Moldova, 12,941 have special educational needs. Additionally, of these 12,941 children, 4,093 are children with disabilities who are attending preschool and school institutions.