The Association for Assistive Technology Open the Windows in January 2020 started the implementation of the project Inclusion of children with special educational needs supported by the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation. The second phase of the project started in January 2023 and it is planned to end in December 2025.
The project works to support the inclusion in the community through various activities that include direct technical and professional support to national authorities in improving legislation in the area of inclusion, support the faculties in revising their programs to include the concept of inclusive education, as well as support local communities in creating a model of an inclusive local environment. The project works with 24 mainstream schools, 13 schools with resource center/support centers and 12 municipalities (municipality of Gazi Baba, Shuto Orizari, Chucher Sandevo, Shtip, Veles, Bitola, Tetovo, Kumanovo, Kochani, Strumica, Radovish and Prilep).
The cooperation with schools includes strengthening the professional capacities of staff through training to support and improve the inclusion of all children, as well as equipping them with assistive technology and didactic aids to ensure equal educational opportunities. Through the project, cooperation with the business community is also established with the aim of their participation in the process of creating an inclusive school environment, through the preparation of schools for conducting fundraising activities.
Through all the interventions, the project is expecting to bring changes in the environments, to create of positive stories and impact the communities to join in the efforts in building a better place for all the children.
