Skopje, 30 May 2023 (MIA) – As part of the 'Be IN, be INclusive, be INvolved' project aimed at improving the inclusion of students with disabilities in elementary schools, 474 disabled students received monthly scholarships, 43 schools improved their inclusivity and accessibility, more than 150 disabled students received tutoring, 300 parents were consulted on daily challenges, and more than 430 school employees participated in trainings to support the process of teaching disabled students, according to speakers at the project's final event held on Tuesday.

The project was financed by the EU and realized in cooperation with the Ministry for Education and Science, the Foundation for Education and Cultural Initiatives "Step by Step," the Association for the Promotion and Development of an Inclusive Society "Inkluziva", and Disability Service Association "Handimak."

Education Minister Jeton Shaqiri, Advisor at EU Delegation Nafi Saracini, and Executive Director of the "Step by Step" foundation Suzana Karandziska gave keynote speeches.

Saracini, on behalf of the EU Delegation, expressed gratitude to the "Be IN, be INclusive, be INvolved" project, which achieved impressive results in the last 30 months in achieving its goal.

"We are all aware that results can come, as the name of the organization states, step-by-step. But, we all hope that the final result will make a difference in the fights against discrimination and promotion of equal rights and regarding disability as a variety of abilities- positive element and talent which should be recognized and used," Saracini said.

Minister Shaqiri thanked the EU for financing the project which is essential for the realization of the Government's vision of building an equal society for all.

"The results we have achieved in the last 30 months with the projects are impressive, motivating, and initiate new ideas and activities for providing additional support for the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular elementary schools, and assisting their educational process," Minister Shaqiri said.

Karandzhiska stressed that the Foundation's goal is to identify feasible and concrete activities in the creation of an inclusive educational system which will expedite the common goal of providing opportunities for educating and the development of every child.

"Enabling every child and family, especially those who are a part of vulnerable groups, to be included, respected and valued, to participate and work toward achieving common goals and developing their potential, is of integral importance in order to have a quality education," Karandzhiska said. ssh/mr