Workbook final

289 - Active inclusion in Macedonia and Serbia, Open the

Windows/Ecumenical Humanitarian Organisation, Macedonia

ONTACT

Open the Windows / Ecumenical Humanitarian Organisation

Mr. Vladimir Lazovski, Mr. Robert Bu

Macedonia

Email:

VERALL GOAL

MISSION

Children with disabilities are included in mainstream primary education using assistive technology; teachers are trained

in inclusive and computer-assisted instruction, as well as the use of digital books. This joint Macedonian-Serbian project

introduces e-accessibility (assistive technology, computer-assisted communication and learning) into primary schools in

both countries, providing equipment, support and teacher training, enabling equal educational opportunities for

children with disabilities and facilitating inclusive mainstream education. This cooperation creates closer ties, promotes

networking activities and know-how transfer, and facilitates greater mutual understanding beneficial to the long-term

prosperity and stability of the whole region.

HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED

The aim of this project is to introduce e-accessibility (assistive technology, computer-assisted communication and

learning) into selected primary schools in order to facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities into mainstream

education. Advocacy, lobbying and media activities are carried out to ensure promotion of the results achieved,

highlight lessons learned, inspire others with good practise examples and raise awareness of the issues. The particular

added value is to take a tried and tested formula from one organisation in a former Yugoslav country and transfers it,

with the necessary contextual adjustments and adaptations, to another. Both organisations benefit greatly from this

bilateral undertaking. In a wider context, the project ensures the systematic exchange of know-how, information and

experiences between relevant educational actors from both countries, from the public and the civic sector alike. Actors

from both countries benefit greatly from this exchange. Macedonia and Serbia have much shared history – Open the

Window’s pilot project provides experiences to ease this similar undertaking in Serbia. The exchange promotes and

enhances understanding between two countries in a region with a difficult and divisive history. Steps to create closer

ties, promote networking activities and know-how transfer, and facilitate greater mutual understanding are beneficial

for the long-term prosperity and stability of the whole region.