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‘Education Not Segregation’ for children with special needs
By World Vision Azerbaijan on 12 Jun 2007
 | | Children in Azerbaijan attend class |
More than 200 children with special needs and their parents enjoyed a Child Protection Day celebration to mark International Children’s Day at the end of May in the Azeri capital Baku. Organised in partnership by World Vision, the Azeri Ministry of Education and International Medical Corps, the day signaled a national commitment to inclusive education for all special needs children.
“Every year, for many decades, the world celebrates International Children's Day to raise awareness of child related problems, that are significant and complex. However, for child focused organisations like World Vision it is a day-to-day battle to make the world the best place for children to live. It is really important for World Vision and all partners that at least once a year, this day, all of us gather to confirm our commitment to make life better for children of Azerbaijan,” said Seifu Tirfie, World Vision Azerbaijan National Director, during his opening speech at the celebrations.
The special needs children, their peers and some 100 participants from government, foreign missions, the private and non-private sector, civil society and leading media organisations were present at the exhibition where handicrafts produced by the children were also on display.
“The fundamental belief of our organisation is that every child regardless of nationality, religion, or abilities must have an equal access to education, be supported and respected by the society,” said Farida Amirova, Project Manager for World Vision Azerbaijan. The organisation is a pioneer in the introduction and development of inclusive education for children with special needs in Azerbaijan.
Following the exhibition, popular showbusiness stars performed a concert for the children, parents, teachers and invited guests.
The Azerbaijan Inclusion Movement that includes World Vision Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Education, International Medical Corps, Center for Innovations and Education and Save the Children started in 2004. Hundreds of children with special needs have since been mainstreamed into society.
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