UNICEF Helps Equip Inclusive Classroom at Zagreb Teacher Education Faculty

ZAGREB, 29 Nov 2021 - A newly-equipped inclusive classroom, where students will acquire modern inclusive methods for work with pre-school children, was presented at the Zagreb Teacher Education Faculty on Monday. The equipment is a donation by UNICEF and the Kaufland retailer.

A total of 1,500 teachers will be trained annually in inclusive classrooms for work with children with developmental delays, behavioral problems, and Roma children, UNICEF said.

"All futures need opportunities. In order for all children, especially the most vulnerable, to progress and one day become equal members of society, we must work together to provide them with opportunities for education. Only well-educated professionals can ensure that every child receives the necessary support for development and learning, in a supportive environment. This is an investment that has long-term significance for all future generations. We are glad that our long-term partner, Kaufland Croatia, has recognized this, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for helping to improve the education of those who care about the future of our children'', said Regina M. Castillo, Head of UNICEF Croatia.

(From left to right) Patrick Rudat, President of the Management Board of Kaufland Croatia, Regina M. Castillo, Head of UNICEF in Croatia, Siniša Opić, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Education in Zagreb, Dejana Bouillet, Professor at the Department of Pedagogy, and Tomisljav Paljak, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science and Education. (Photo: Miljenko Hegedić/UNICEF)

Owing to a donation of HRK 350,000 by Kaufland, UNICEF has equipped five inclusive classrooms at colleges in Zagreb, Split, Osijek, Pula, and Rijeka.

UNICEF is conducting the project for the promotion of initial teacher education for inclusive education in cooperation with the Zagreb Teacher Education Faculty and four other colleges.

Inclusive classrooms are equipped with teaching equipment and aids, basic equipment for sensory integration, as well as software for technology for assisted communication that helps future teachers in practical work and in learning innovative methods for working with children and inclusive education.