January 24th became a significant day for inclusive education in the Drohobych region, as a new space for children with special needs was ceremoniously opened at the ‘Nazareth’ rehabilitation center. The project, implemented with the support of the OCHA Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, brought together representatives of local authorities, organizers, and families whose children require special attention and support.
The blessing service was conducted by Father Bohdan Lehovych from the ‘Caritas’ Charity Foundation, emphasizing the importance of societal support and the development of inclusive initiatives. Iryna Semkiv, who leads the inclusive direction at the center, explained that the new space will provide services from various specialists, such as speech therapists, defectologists, and psychologists, who will help children in the comprehensive development of their abilities.
At the same time, the new space is noted as an evolution of the existing inclusive center operating under ‘Caritas’, providing a wide range of educational and rehabilitation services to children in difficult life situations. The center also features a ‘Child-Friendly Space’, where families can live, learn, and receive the necessary support.
Currently, 34 children with special educational needs have joined the inclusive space programs. The credit for such progress also lies with the local community, which actively engages in the life of the center, supporting its development and providing effective assistance to children.