A new culture of inclusive education is being formed in Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, 1 April 2026 — The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, in partnership with UNICEF, has successfully implemented a new initiative to support parents and promote more inclusive attitudes for young children, as part of an inclusive education pilot programme.

The initiative brought together parents, educators, and specialists through a series of parenting sessions in kindergartens, alongside a nationwide social media campaign. Together, these efforts aimed to strengthen understanding of early childhood development and encourage supportive, inclusive environments for all children.

Over five weeks, around 100 parents participated in interactive sessions focused on child health, development, and positive parenting. These discussions created a safe space for parents to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another.

A key result of the initiative was a noticeable increase in parents’ confidence to seek advice and support. Many began asking more openly about their children’s development and showed greater readiness to consult specialists when needed - an important step toward early support and care.

The sessions also encouraged reflection on inclusion. While some parents initially had concerns about how children with different developmental needs learn together, many came to recognize the value of adapting learning environments so that every child can participate and benefit.

A complementary social media campaign expanded the conversation beyond the classroom, reaching more than 22,000 people. Through personal stories and experiences shared by parents, specialists, and individuals with disabilities, the campaign encouraged dialogue, empathy, and greater understanding within the wider community.

Online discussions showed strong engagement, with many users expressing support, sharing personal experiences, and calling for more accessible information and services for children and families. Overall, the initiative demonstrated that combining direct engagement with parents and broader public communication can help strengthen awareness, build confidence, provide supportive environment and encourage more inclusive attitudes in society.

This work represents an important step toward ensuring that all children—regardless of their needs or abilities—are supported to learn, grow, and participate fully in their communities.

The initiative was implemented within the project “Accessible and Inclusive Schools for Children with Disabilities” in Turkmenistan, funded by the UK International Development from the UK Government.

Source: ORIENT