From 18 to 24 October 2026, specialists from Turkmenistan are visiting Portugal on a study mission focused on inclusive education. The main objective of the visit, organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is to learn from international experience in improving inclusive education in Turkmenistan and establishing a comprehensive support system for persons with disabilities. This was reported by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan.

The national delegation includes M. G. Pirliyeva, Acting Head of the Preschool Education Department of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan; O. B. Alamyshova, Chief Specialist of the General Secondary Education Department; B. O. Muhammedova, Principal of Specialized Secondary School No. 74 in Ashgabat; and G. A. Hudaybergenova, Director of Kindergarten No. 111.

During the visit, the Turkmen specialists are learning about approaches to establishing a comprehensive support system for persons with disabilities through the implementation of inclusive practices. The programme also aims to identify practical experience and effective solutions that could be used in the next phase of reforms to develop inclusive education and strengthen the support system for persons with disabilities in Turkmenistan.

Portugal plays an important role in international efforts to advance inclusive education and ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in public life. The country’s experience is particularly valuable because of its long-term transition from separate forms of support to an inclusive system that enables all children to participate in education.

During the first days of the study visit, the Turkmen specialists visited educational institutions and inclusive learning centres in Portugal. They explored how teachers, psychologists and speech therapists work together to develop individual education plans for children.

Particular attention was given to mechanisms for integrating children with special educational needs into mainstream schools and kindergartens. The specialists also examined practical solutions for adapting the physical environment of educational institutions and curricula to meet children’s needs.

In addition, they analysed how classroom learning and coordinated support can help children develop communication skills from an early age, participate actively in group life and develop a sense of belonging as full members of society.

According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the country is implementing strategic reforms aimed at improving the quality, equity and inclusiveness of the educational environment through a human rights-based approach. At the same time, efforts are underway to strengthen comprehensive support for children with disabilities and their families.

The study visit to Portugal will help the specialists learn from international experience, identify effective approaches and introduce new practices into ongoing efforts to advance inclusive education in Turkmenistan.