Supporting inclusivity in Kazakhstan’s classrooms
Inclusion support offices to be opened in four more schools and three early learning centres in Astana
01.03.2024
The Akim (Mayor) of Astana, Zhenis Kassymbek, has announced the opening of new inclusion support rooms in schools and early learning centres on his Instagram page, as reported on his official website.
“We are continuing to increase the number of inclusion support rooms in kindergartens and schools. For example, we recently opened and equipped rooms in eight kindergartens with support from the Bolashak Foundation and will shortly open more in three early learning centres”, said the Akim.
Kassymbek explained that the children spend most of their time in their usual peer groups studying for a few hours a day in their inclusion support room, accompanied by teaching assistants.
The room provides socialisation for children and caters for those with special education needs, as well as help with speech development and learning everyday skills. “Staff from CSOs that deal with the social inclusion of children have discussed a range of issues with parents of those with special education needs, including accessibility to sports, career advice, the opening of additional rooms to support inclusion in educational institutions and plans for future collaboration”, wrote the Akim.
Teachers and parents have seen noticeable improvements in their children’s socialisation and learning skills during visits to these support rooms which are now available in 29 schools. This year, we have plans to open more in four schools, wrote the Akim.
