REGIONAL SUPPORT FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

This project promotes the concept of inclusive education as a principle of reforms that respects and cares about diversity among all students, with a particular focus on those who are at risk of marginalization and exclusion from society. To understand more about the benefits of inclusive education, the main activities focused on 49 pilot schools, including vocational training schools (7 for each beneficiary). The experiences gained by these pilot schools have offered policymakers suggestions on how to increase the number of effective practices. This enabled them to care about increasing social diversity and creating a more inclusive society for the benefit of all. The project has had a “bottom-up” approach that helped policy makers move from experience on the ground to mainstream education reforms. The specific purpose of this project was:

• Increase social inclusion in the region by promoting inclusive education and training.
• Elimination of barriers for all vulnerable groups in the education sector.
• Promoting the concept of inclusive education as a principle of reforms that respects and cares about the difference between all students.

Key results:

1. Comprehensive Schools – The project established criteria for the selection of pilot schools. In parallel with this, existing tools and methodologies have been identified, adapted, and translated. A regional network of inclusive schools has been established for sharing experiences, supported by a web platform. Small grants were shared for schools.
2. Awareness-awareness events for local authorities and stakeholders are organized. A documentary video describing the project’s work was realized.
3. Policy support – policymakers are identified for policy dialogue and learning about them.
4. Teacher Support – Modules and programs for professional development of teachers have been developed. “Regional Support for Inclusive Education” is a regional project for South East Europe. It increases social inclusion by promoting inclusive education and training.

This project was implemented within the eu common framework for human rights and minority issues throughout South East Europe, together with other regional projects supported by the European Union. The project partners are Ministries and local authorities, teachers, professional staff of the school and parents, media and the European Training Foundation, while the project team is based in Sarajevo, Belgrade and Tirana.