The Luxembourg Recommendations from the young people are now online
On 16 October 2015 the Agency organised a Hearing in Luxembourg, where participants discussed how their schools and communities ensure an inclusive education for them. The outcomes of this event echo the outcomes of the three previous European Hearings we held in Brussels (2003 and 2011) and in Lisbon (2007). I am pleased to say that each of the outcomes reflects an increasing and visible progress in the implementation of inclusive education in European countries since 2003.
During the Hearing workshops, young people expressed their overall satisfaction regarding their education, but they also talked about issues to improve and areas where they still lack support. We collected their key messages and presented them in the form of recommendations, which mainly reflect the opinion that inclusive education is the best option, provided the necessary conditions exist.
Five messages
The Luxembourg Recommendations (.pdf) are grouped around five key messages expressed by the young people:
Everything about us, with us – concerns young people’s direct involvement in all decision-making that concerns them. The young people clearly expressed that they and their families should be involved in any decision-making concerning them. They also advocated the positive role played by different organisations for young people and for people with disabilities.
Barrier-free schools – relates to the elimination of all physical and technical barriers. Many barriers have already been overcome in schools, but all should be removed in order for all students to be able to reach local educational centres, to easily access them and move around inside them. Suitable technical aids and educational materials should be made available according to individual needs.
Breaking down stereotypes – is all about the concept of ‘normality’. If we accept that everybody is different, who is then ‘normal’? People should behave with mutual respect and tolerance. Diversity is positive and should not be considered only a challenge. Disability is not the opposite of ‘normal’. Tolerance is based on understanding each other.
Diversity is the mix, inclusion is what makes the mix work – refers to that everyone should focus on what can be done, not on what cannot be done. Education must be fully accessible, respecting the needs of all learners as the basis for quality education for all.
Becoming full citizens – relates to the impact of inclusive education in being fully included in society. It is essential to be included in mainstream schools in order to be included in society. The aim is that all students are able to find their place in society.
During the Hearing, the young people also described in concrete and practical terms what universal design means for them, why peer-tutoring, co-operative learning, and individualised programmes have a positive effect on their education.
Sharing the messages
The ‘Inclusive education: Take action! Hearing was hosted by the Luxembourg Presidency of the European Union, where the Luxembourgish Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch addressed the young people and assured them that their recommendations would be forwarded to the highest level. Indeed, their call for action was presented at the Council of Ministers on 23 November 2015.
The Luxembourg Presidency shared the recommendations coming the young delegates at the Education Council as well as at the last Education Committee on 2–3 December 2015.
Watch a video on this event on the Agency You Tube Channel!