UNICEF and Norway Support Inclusive Education in Georgia

Georgia: A delegation of UNICEF and Norway visited Marneuli #2 public school today to witness the results of a joint project to improve inclusive education in Georgia. 

The project, which was implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and funded by the Government of Norway, supported children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as teachers, professionals and parents, in creating an inclusive and equitable environment in preschool and general education institutions.

The delegation, which included the Representative of UNICEF in Georgia, Jesper Moller, and the Ambassador of Norway to Georgia, Bergliot Hovland, met with parents, school staff, and students and visited the resource room for the inclusion of children with special educational needs. 

The resource room was equipped with educational and technical resources, such as computers, tablets, books, games, and toys, available to every school student. The project also established a Parent’s Club in the school, which promotes parental involvement in school life and supports the learning and development of their children.

The project also provided training and coaching for teachers and school principals on inclusive education, curriculum adaptation, individual education plans, and child-centred pedagogy. Moreover, the project introduced a mechanism for promoting students’ transition to the next educational level and, for this purpose, established active cooperation with professional colleges in the region.

The project, which lasted for three years, covered 16 preschools and 16 schools in four regions of Georgia: Adjara, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli and Kakheti. The project reached more than 4,000 children, including 1,200 children with special educational needs and disabilities and more than 1,000 teachers and school staff. 

The project also supported the development of national policies and standards on inclusive education, in line with the international best practices and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The delegation praised the achievements of the project and the commitment of the school and the local authorities to continue the activities to strengthen the inclusive environment. 

They also emphasized the importance of ensuring the right to quality and inclusive education for every child, regardless of their abilities, background, or circumstances.