“We are different, but we are equal”

“We are different, but we are equal” – an event dedicated to the 3rd of December – the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been organized by “Regional Development” Public Union of the Haydar Aliyev Foundation with the support of the Haydar Aliyev Foundation, European Union, UN Children’s Fund and UN Development Program, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, at the Haydar Aliyev Center.

The event featured a video clip jointly produced by the “Regional Development” Public Union and UNICEF with the financial support of the European Union, about the stories of young people with disabilities and the importance of inclusive education, followed by the small scene called “We are equal”, demonstration of dance performances by the children of the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Down Syndrome and “Danceability”, and a joint performance of the “Friendship” song by “Children’s Theatre” of hearing and speech impaired children and the children of “Vocal” club of the Children-Youth Development Center No 3.

Different entertaining and educating corners were organized with the aim to eliminate stigma and stereotypes against persons with disabilities and to promote inclusiveness through involving children with and without disabilities and their parents. The entertaining pottery and stained glass corner were organized by the Inclusive Vocational Arts and Crafts Training Centre created by the UNDP in Icharishahar within the European Union funded project.

“Bumblebee Play / Preschool” Children’s Development Center, “Sevimli bala” Science Center, Children-Youth Development Center No.1, Children-Youth Development Center No.3 and Azerbaijan Table Tennis Federation participated in the creation of the other entertaining and educative corners.

The exhibition of handicrafts of young people with disabilities organized by the Boarding Schools No. 2 and No. 3, Children-Youth Development Center and Rehabilitation Center for Children with Down Syndrome was also welcomed by the participants.

All the activities exhibited throughout the event implying the activity of the children with and without a disability were demonstrating that having different skills and abilities do not create barriers to the cooperative learning and joint activities of children.

As the guests of the event, the Head of the European Union Delegation in Azerbaijan, Kestutis Jankauskas, UNICEF Azerbaijan’s Representative, Edward Carwardine and UNDP Resident Representative for Azerbaijan, Alessandro Fracassetti communicated with children and took photos with them. They became closely acquainted with the entertaining and educating corners and shared their impressions about the event.

The main aims of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities proclaimed in 1992 by UN General Assembly Resolution are to raise awareness on disability issues and to promote the benefits of integrating the disabled people into all areas of life.