Pilot Project in Special Education in Karhumäki in Karelia
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The purpose of the project was to develop the rehabilitation and occupational education of disabled children and young people in Karhumäki.

Main activities

• to improve the knowledge of the staff of the Merikoski Occupational Education Centre in preventing the social exclusion of disabled children and young people and to train them to work in international specialist and consultant positions. • to prevent social exclusion of disabled children and young people in the Republic of Karelia by supporting their integration to the society and employment. • to develop a model to the target area (Karhumäki) that could be applied to the entire Karelian region.

Achievements

Language and cultural training was organised for the staff of the Merikoski Occupational Education Centre, which increased their abilities to work in specialist duties in Russia. Contact with the Russian partner during the project also helped to gain much information and experiences, among other things, about the Russian culture, education system and operational environment. The knowledge of the staff about the Russian education system and culture was increased during the project, as well as the abilities to participate in new projects. The project also created new contacts. The project organised consultation and other visits to Karhumäki as well as arranging two seminars there. The project designed a plan for organising special education in Karhumäki, which succeeded well as a result of the consultation and exchange of experiences. The project also participated in the preparation group of the new law ”Asetus vammaisille koulutettaville ja kasvateille tarkoitetun ammatillista peruskoulutusta antavan (kuntouttavan) erityisoppilaitoksen toiminnasta” (Decree on Operations of Special Education Institutes Supplying Basic Occupational or Rehabilitational Education for the Disabled). The project drafted five education plans for preparative and rehabilitative education, which was also begun both in the Karhumäki Occupational Institute and the Povenets Correctional Education Boarding School, in accordance with the education plans adapted to the local conditions. The education plans were adjustable within the legislation and standards, and they were developed during the entire project. The personnel of the project also received ideas and inspiration in their work for improving their own work processes. It can be said that, through the project, the teachers' attitudes towards the students and study plans have improved and the level of occupational education has been raised, as well as the students' own tolerance towards anything different has grown. Prevention of the social exclusion of disabled children and young people must, however, be assessed after a longer period of time.