We are happy to announce that Perkins is reaching a new country, Kazakhstan! It is an honor to collaborate with our 97th country and we are excited to be one step closer to building a world where every child belongs.
With a general population of over 19 million, Kazakhstan classifies 164 minorities, which includes people with one disability such as visual impairment. However, there is a need for more knowledge on multiple or complex disabilities. With this in mind, Perkins sees possibilities to expand more learning opportunities for all children.
Together, with the Dara Foundation, we are deeply committed to creating lasting and meaningful change in the Kazakhstan educational system so it includes children with disabilities. We believe that every child can learn and thrive, and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Darija Udovicic, program director of Europe and Eurasia
There are three major goals we want to implement in Kazakhstan’s schools. Our focus will be on creating sustainable ways to train individuals who will then build a strong community of support for future generations.
Whenever we start a project in a new country, we never do it alone. Our partners all around the world are dedicated to expanding opportunities to folx with disabilities and rely on Perkins’ expertise to build programs that will last.
By sharing best practices, teaming up with local governments, and partnering with organizations like the Dara Foundation, we are hopeful that together we can bring quality, inclusive education to Kazakhstan that is also culturally considerate. How do we get there?
Here are the nine ways Perkins measures progress:
When all of these items are enacted thoughtfully, teachers, parents, and most importantly, children become empowered to define their own success.
Our Kazakhstan partnership is the same approach we are using in 12 countries to provide national level solutions to governments and society. These countries include: Argentina, Armenia, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Philippines, and Serbia.
Systemic change doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why Perkins works at every level—from families to classrooms to communities to countries—to establish new standards of accessible education for children. Because we know every child can learn, and when children with disabilities have real opportunities to learn, families, communities and countries get stronger.
Together, we can reach the 240 million children with disabilities worldwide.