OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes conference on inclusive education

Education representatives, practitioners and academia discussed current achievements and challenges in the area of inclusive education in vocational secondary schools at an OSCE-supported conference in Skopje on 6 February 2014.

During the conference, participants explored various practices for creating a climate of acceptance and involvement in the education process for students with different abilities, and from diverse cultural, religious and social backgrounds. David Crabtree from British Council presented the model used in the United Kingdom for inclusive education, and shared good practices and experiences.

“The inclusion of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the education process is a key element which, in the long term transforms societies by reducing poverty and improving the lives of individuals and groups,” said the Deputy Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Marianne Berecz.

“Discussing good practices and challenges in guaranteeing equal access to education and equality is a prerequisite to promoting conditions in which all students can learn and feel accepted.”

The event was jointly organized by the Vocational Education Training Centre, the British Council, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, the Ministry of Education and Science and the ‘Open the Windows’ non-governmental organization.