“Povestea” Kindergarten from Nisporeni and Gymnasium No. 14 from Bălți received this year’s “Alexandra Grajdian” Trophy for COURAGE AND INNOVATION in promoting inclusive education. Another five educational institutions from across the country were awarded diplomas and special mentions for their courage and innovation in the field of inclusive education.
The awards were presented by the Alliance of Active NGOs in the Field of Child and Family Social Protection (APSCF) during the Inclusive Education Gala, organized this year as part of the 5th edition of the National Conference “Inclusion, Equity and Protection in Education.”
In a message acknowledging the efforts of educational institutions to keep inclusive education on the national agenda, Daniela Mămăligă, Chair of the APSCF Coordinating Council, emphasized:
“Inclusive education is essential for fully respecting every child’s rights and for building a society where diversity is not only accepted but valued. Through this gala, we celebrate the efforts of educational institutions that have shown courage and innovation in promoting inclusive education, creating school environments where every student is seen, heard and supported, and transforming their success stories into true sources of inspiration at the national level,” said Ms. Mămăligă.
For his part, Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research, underlined that:
“Today, the education system of the Republic of Moldova is more inclusive than it was ten years ago, but this transformation has not been easy. It required openness from teachers and school leaders, a considerable effort from parents, and the involvement of all actors in the system. Through joint efforts, despite economic challenges, we have managed to build a system that seeks to ensure inclusion for every child,” stated Minister Perciun.
Among the kindergartens and schools recognized with diplomas for outstanding results in promoting and implementing inclusive education—particularly for innovation, advocacy, collaboration with parents and the community, and the dissemination of good practices—are the following:
- Early Education Institution “Poienița”, Malcoci village, Ialoveni district
- Early Education Institution No. 8 “Floricica”, Drochia town
- “Grătiești” Theoretical Lyceum, Grătiești commune, Chișinău municipality
- “N. Bălcescu” Theoretical Lyceum, Ciorescu commune, Chișinău municipality
- “Victor Coțofană” Gymnasium, Chetrosu village, Drochia district
- “Mihai Sîrghi” Gymnasium, Cioburciu village, Ștefan Vodă district
- Bobeica Gymnasium, Bobeica village, Hîncești district
For the first time this year, territorial psycho-pedagogical assistance services that nominated institutions for the competition were also awarded diplomas of merit for their consistent collaboration with educational institutions, the support they provide in implementing inclusive practices, and their commitment to promoting inclusive education.
Each year, the competition attracts an average of more than 40 institutions from across the country.
The “Alexandra Grajdian” Trophy is an initiative of APSCF member organizations and has been awarded by APSCF since 2017 in memory of Alexandra Grajdian, a prominent advocate for children’s rights and a champion of inclusive education.
The event is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and the Republican Center for Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance.