UNICEF and the British Embassy in Turkmenistan have joined forces to support inclusive education reform. The partnership will continue to fund a pilot project that, for the first time in the country, systematically integrates children with disabilities into the general education system, according to the news website Asmannews.

The project is based in two schools and two kindergartens in Ashgabat with the aim of creating a national model for subsequent scaling up. The main areas of work are infrastructure and accessibility, combating stigma and training.

The initiative is being implemented in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and supports the National Concept of Inclusive Education. British Ambassador Stephen Conlon called the project an important step towards removing barriers, while UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan Jalpa Ratna emphasised that it helps every child, including children with disabilities, to learn and develop in an inclusive environment.