The first ever Assessment Centre in Yerevan, Armenia is serving as a corner stone in the comprehensive assessment of children with special needs. The recent opening of the Centre is a major step forward to integrate children with disabilities into society, enabling them to access their right to education.

The Centre is of national importance, as it will also serve as a basis to assess special educational needs of children in other regions of Armenia.

'This is a pivotal step towards serious reformations in the sphere of inclusive education in Armenia,' said Kamo Areyan, the Deputy Mayor of Yerevan, during the opening ceremony held this week.


The Centre will serve to better understand the needs of children who are facing educational or social challenges. Assisted by the international consultancy, assessment tools have been developed in collaboration with other NGOs working in the field. The tools will be used to identify and assess children's strengths and adapt their education appropriately. The Centre will also help parents to know their children better, and believe in their children's potential for further development and growth.

'The establishment of the Centre is a vivid example of a successful cooperation between World Vision Armenia, the Government, and local and international NGOs. It is a significant contribution to the establishment of an adequate referral system, the development of inclusive educational facilities, and the prevention of institutionalization,' said Kristine Mikhailidi, sectoral operations manager of World Vision Armenia.

'We are ready to make a necessary investment to support the effective functioning of the center. This is the only center in Yerevan but we are looking forward to establishing this kind of centre in the regions as well,' said Nourijan Manukyan, head of the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education and Science.