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Description
The aim of the project is to create strategies to support and develop inclusive education at the level of specific local governments, either by creating a new strategy or by modifying and supplementing existing strategies in the field of education, which local governments already have. The project also pursues several sub-objectives, such as the means of creating a favorable environment at the community level that would support inclusive values and inclusive education. The project focuses on identifying needs and networking of actors who can contribute to the better implementation of inclusive education at the level of kindergartens and primary schools - in addition to the aforementioned founders, there are mainly primary and kindergartens operating in the city. groups of disadvantaged children (eg organizations that deal with children with health or mental disabilities, organizations working in the marginalized Roma community, organizations that deal with the leisure time of children and young people). The key players, primary schools and kindergartens, will be involved and supported through workshops and their interconnections. The project will scale the results and examples of good practice to other local governments in the future, but also to policy makers at the state administration level.
Summary of project results
The Foundation for Children in Slovakia has been implementing the project for three years, focusing on supporting inclusive education. The program aimed to support the education of all children in regular elementary schools in Slovakia, irrespective of differences. The primary objective of the project was to develop strategies that promoted inclusive education at the municipal level, whether by devising new approaches or adjusting and enhancing existing educational strategies. Concurrently, the project encompassed various subsidiary objectives, such as establishing an encouraging environment at the community level to cultivate inclusive values and endorse inclusive education. The emphasis was on pinpointing needs and facilitating connections among stakeholders who could enhance the implementation of inclusive education in preschools and elementary schools. This involved engaging school founders, parent representatives, non-governmental organizations committed to specific disadvantaged children''s groups, and organizations offering recreational activities for children and young individuals.
The project commenced with a comprehensive audit, assessing prevailing approaches to inclusive education and identifying key stakeholders across municipalities. This was followed by targeted consultations and discussions to discern specific needs and barriers to inclusive education.
Implementation included workshops tailored for primary schools and kindergartens, designed to fortify inclusive practices at foundational educational levels. Collaborative efforts with local governments resulted in the formulation of strategies documented in the publication "Stratégia na podporu inkluzívneho vzdelávania."
The project culminated in a one-day conference for the dissemination of the Inclusive Education Strategy, complemented by a dedicated workshop for school representatives. Additionally, a communication campaign featuring four articles spotlighting best practices and a workshop for local government officials aimed to foster inclusivity in educational institutions.
The initiative prompted a significant shift in the discourse surrounding education across various administrative levels. Stakeholders, including policymakers, school administrators, teachers, parents, and representatives from non-profit sectors, actively engaged in discussions and collaborative efforts, fostering a newfound emphasis on inclusive education.
Local governments, as primary beneficiaries, experienced a transformation in their approach to education. The project facilitated strategic consultations, leading to the formulation of inclusive education strategies. This not only enhanced the inclusivity of educational practices but also provided practical guides for local authorities. The publication "Stratégia na podporu inkluzívneho vzdelávania" served as a valuable resource, equipping local governments with effective methodologies and universal approaches for addressing challenges in education.
Educational institutions, particularly primary schools and kindergartens, saw tangible improvements in their inclusive practices. The targeted workshops offered practical insights and tools, empowering teachers and administrators to create an inclusive educational environment. The project''s impact extended to school representatives who participated in conferences and workshops, gaining valuable knowledge and strategies to implement inclusive practices within their institutions.
The broader community benefitted from the project''s communication campaign, which highlighted best practices in inclusive education through four informative articles. This outreach not only raised awareness but also contributed to the creation of an inclusive climate in schools. By fostering a collaborative dialogue involving diverse stakeholders, the project catalyzed a broader societal understanding of the importance of inclusive education, ultimately impacting the well-being and development of children in schools and their communities.