The EU in Serbia has launched a project focusing on equal access to and completion of pre-university education for children in need of additional support in education. The project, worth €4.7 million, will support inclusive education through further development of the legal framework, training of education professionals, enhancing the quality of learning, and additional support to children and teachers in mainstream schools.

It will do this by developing an enabling environment and procuring equipment to facilitate learning, reaching about 1,000 children in need of additional support in education. The project aims to have a direct impact on the further development and improvement of inclusive education by reaching a minimum of 10% of Serbia’s schools and strengthening the skills of 4,000 professionals in education and other areas, as well as about 1,000 professionals in inter-sectoral committees. 

Planned activities include supporting the development of professional learning communities and mentoring support to education professionals through model schools for inclusive education, the work of specialist advisers, and the operation of 20 inclusive education networks in participating municipalities. The project will also contribute to the establishment of three resource centres and the procurement of assistive technologies to support students with disabilities, and will support the activities of the National Coalition for Inclusive Education.