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215 - Education for all, Belarus Red Cross Society, Belarus
CONTACT
Belarus Red Cross Society
Ms. Iryna Malinskaya
Belarus
+375 29 168 23 91
OVERALL GOAL /MISSION
While the state has defined strategies and programmes to address the social and health problems of children with
disabilities and their families, still local authorities do not have capacities or resources to fully meet needs of this group
of population. Moreover, persons with disabilities are often exposed to stigmatisation and confronted with disabling
public attitudes and physical environments (e.g. physical barriers to public buildings and public transportation). Despite
a diversity of educational forms aimed at children with disabilities (boarding schools, specialized classes, at-home
education), access to education for them is still limited and it seems segregative.The educational carricuclum is general
and doesn't include out-of-school sessions. One of obstacles for inclusive education system is a lack of conditions for
children with disabilities, in particular barrier-free environment and lack of specialists in schools who can work with
children with disabilities. Inclusive educational assistance for children with disabilities is ensured in the Day Centre in
Grodno and awareness on importance of expanding inclusive education and respective supporting measures is
improved
THE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
The project is focused on improving educational conditions for children with disabilities and strengthening capacities of
their families.The knowledge and skills of children with disabilities and their families are improved through visitis to the
Day Center of Red Cross where commputer lessons, developing sessions with psychologist and speech pathologist,
preschool preparation are organized. Besides, hippo therapy, canis therapy and therapeutic swimming to foster motoric
and cognitive skills are held. Educators and volunteers use lekotek (a set of developing games, books, etc.) for work with
children to strengthen social and communication skills. Regularly children are accompanied to schools, kindergartens,
artists, theatres, museums and other public venues to ensure their inclusion into the society. They participate in
concerts and actions. Moreover, parental groups function in the Center. Parents of children with disabilities have an
opportunity to discuss challenges, to meet with teachers, representatives of local educational and social protection
services, to attend trainings on first aid and personal safety.