50 Teachers from Suceava Trained for the Integration of Children with Special Educational Needs, through a Project Supported by the ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation
Inclusive education starts with understanding and support. For children with special educational needs (SEN), school is not just a place to learn letters and numbers, but a space where they need to be seen, understood, and supported. For this to happen, it is crucial that teachers—those who guide their steps every day—are well-prepared. An adapted education involves not only special methods but, more importantly, open hearts and people ready to respond with empathy and competence to the needs of each child.
The ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation recognized the importance of accessible education for all children, which is why it supported this project to actively contribute to integrating children with SEN in mainstream schools. Through its investment, the Foundation provided financial resources for teacher training and offered special scholarships for participants to encourage the ongoing development of inclusive education. Between March 8 and April 7, 2025, 50 teachers from Suceava County took part in the accredited course "Integrating Children with Special Educational Needs in the School Environment," coordinated by the "George Tofan" House of Didactic Corps in Suceava, with the support of the County School Inspectorate.
Support for Every Child
The training program, accredited under the Ministry of Education’s Order No. 7890/28.12.2024, lasted a total of 60 hours (24 hours face-to-face + 36 hours online, asynchronously) and was delivered by five trainers specialized in inclusive education, coming from both university and pre-university backgrounds.
The goal of the course was to develop teachers' pedagogical and psycho-pedagogical competencies so that they could effectively support the real integration of children with SEN into mainstream education. The program's objectives included adapting and personalizing educational interventions, improving communication between teachers, families, and students, and fostering an inclusive and empathetic school environment that meets the needs of every child.
Schools Embracing Inclusion
The teachers selected for this program came from eight educational institutions in the county, including Școala Gimnazială Nr. 8 Suceava, Școala Gimnazială Dorna Arini, Școala Gimnazială Crucea, Școala Gimnazială „Dimitrie Păcurariu” Șcheia, and other schools that have consistently demonstrated an interest in school inclusion. Their involvement has not been limited to theoretical learning but also practical application. As a result, seven primary school teachers, one psychologist, and 42 secondary school teachers were prepared to develop personalized intervention plans, apply pedagogical and psycho-pedagogical tools, and contribute to creating a more inclusive school climate adapted to the needs of each child.
The Role of the ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation
The ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation was the project's main sponsor, covering the full costs of teacher participation, totaling 4,000 EUR. Furthermore, at the end of the program, the Foundation awarded special scholarships to participants totaling 6,200 EUR as a sign of appreciation for their active involvement in promoting inclusive education.
"Together, we are laying the foundations for a learning environment adapted to the needs of every child." – this is the message the Foundation conveys through its investment in the development of human resources in education.
Recognition from Participants
"We thank you for the opportunity for professional growth that you have offered us – a valuable experience, with multiple practical examples for integrating children with SEN into mainstream education."
– Prof. Roxana Apetroae, Director, Școala Gimnazială Crucea