A Voice for Inclusion

On 17–18 March 2025, Warsaw hosted the flagship conference “Let’s Make Inclusion Happen!”, uniting youth advocates, educators, policymakers, and experts from across Europe to share experiences and take action toward inclusive education for all.

Organized by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE), the conference featured dynamic discussions, youth-led sessions, creative illustrations, and real-life stories that highlighted the urgent need to build educational systems that leave no child behind.

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Among the inspiring voices at the conference was Emilia Teleucă, a Youth Advocate for UNICEF Moldova, who brought a deeply personal and powerful message to the international audience. As one of the first UNICEF Youth Advocates in Moldova, Emilia plays a key role in promoting meaningful participation of adolescents and youth in shaping public discourse on child rights. Using her lived experience, she raises awareness about inclusion and challenges harmful stereotypes.

“This role gives me a deep sense of responsibility.”

At the heart of the conference was Emilia’s testimony — a story of courage, resilience, and the urgent need for systemic change in education. Born with autism, Emilia shared her journey of being diagnosed late, misunderstood, and rejected by multiple kindergartens.

“They said I wouldn’t be able to learn. But, today, I stand here proudly proving them wrong.”

These early experiences shaped not only Emilia’s life path, but also her drive to advocate for others.

“I remember that no matter what I did, even unintentionally, the educator would criticize me, punish me. It hurt me deeply and I became psychologically traumatized. I closed on in myself. I was afraid of absolutely everything. I knew that no matter what, I would be punished.”

Despite the emotional pain, Emilia found strength to keep going. Now in 12th grade, she is preparing for final exams and planning to go to university — driven by a passion to learn and a mission to create change for other children with disabilities.

An Appeal for Change: Inclusive Education Must Be the Norm

Through her speech, Emilia made a clear and heartfelt appeal for inclusive, adaptive education. She called on schools and governments to create environments where every child is valued, supported, and understood.

“The teachers should love their job and the children. They should be interested to know as much as possible about the children they work with: how they learn, what they enjoy, what challenges they face, and what kind of support they need. Educational programs should be adaptive to individual needs of every child.”

Emilia emphasized the need for early inclusion — and for shared responsibility across schools, families, and society:

“From an early age, all children and their parents should be taught about diversity and inclusion. They need guidance to understand that some of their classmates may require additional support and assistance.”

Moldova has made important progress. Emilia acknowledged that over 11,700 children with disabilities and special educational needs are now included in schools and kindergartens — a major step forward. But, she said, more must be done to ensure quality, respect, and meaningful participation for every child.

“Children with disabilities are a source of art and inspiration.”

In one of the most memorable moments of her speech, Emilia shared a powerful message about the value of children with disabilities:

“I believe that children with disabilities are special. They are creative, they just need support to express their ideas. They have such great thoughts and ideas, but it's hard for them to communicate them. That's why they need to be involved in more activities, to be supported, encouraged and appreciated. These children are a source of art and inspiration into this world. They teach others what kindness and patience are.”

Meeting with Regina De Dominicis

While in Warsaw, Emilia met with Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. The two discussed the power of youth leadership, the importance of accessible education, and the need to amplify the voices of children and young people with disabilities in decision-making processes.

What Comes Next

Emilia’s journey is a testament to what is possible when children are supported, believed in, and given space to lead. Her story is not only about overcoming challenges — it is about rewriting the narrative around disability and education.

UNICEF Moldova continues to stand with children like Emilia, working to ensure that every child — regardless of ability — has the right to learn, to dream, and to thrive.