Education Minister highlights inclusion, overcoming of stereotypes in education on World Down Syndrome Day

The Georgian Ministry of Education is “working daily” to ensure the rights of students with special educational needs and help them integrate into society, Mikheil Chkhenkeli, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports of Georgia, said on Monday in comments on World Down Syndrome Day.

Chkhenkeli highlighted the need for developing inclusive education - including for adolescents and young people with Down syndrome - and overcoming stereotypes about people with disabilities and special educational needs. He noted this goal “can be achieved through joint efforts.”

The main message in 2022 is ‘Inclusion Means’. Inclusion means not only the perfect integration of people with disabilities into society, but [it] also [means] living in a free, equal, peaceful environment for each individual”, Chkhenkeli said.

World Down Syndrome Day has been marked internationally on March 21 since 2006. The date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes the syndrome.