| The pilot project was initiated and financed by World Vision with strong collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Centre for Innovations in Education (CIE).
Minister Misir Mardanov applauded the tremendous contribution of World Vision and Leslie Harnish, Children’s Program Manager, as well as the wife of the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan for their pioneering work at starting a program that was long overdue and greatly needed.
The programme is paving the way for more than 6,000 children with disabilities who currently live in institutions or are isolated at home because of attitudes that segregate children with disabilities and deny them the chance to receive quality education and socialise with other children.
Harnish replied, “Without the strong personal support of the minister himself and World Vision’s other partners, this work could not have begun. It is only a testimony that Azerbaijan was ready for such innovations in education.”
Minister Mardanov used the occasion to award certificates of appreciation to all of the first year teacher’s assistants and school directors for their hard work in getting the pilot not only off the ground but doing it with such great dedication and effectiveness.
The minister also introduced year two of the five-year national Action Plan pilot project.
Besides the large expansion of the World Vision Project from 20 to 66 children, two other pilots have begun. One is financed by UNESCO and run by the ministry itself involving 24 children and the other is operated by International Medical Corps involving another 24 children.
Mardanov optimistically said, “Although these two other pilots only began one month ago we look forward to next year when this gathering will recognise the success of these projects.” There are now 110 children in the national programme.
The minister announced the creation of a Policy Working Group on Special Education. He noted that Azerbaijan had to forge ahead in this field and that the working group would bring policy recommendations to the minister on the way forward for Azerbaijan. |
