The University of Pardubice visited by the Ambassador of Armenia

Ashot Hovakimian, the Ambassador of Armenia has visited the University of Pardubice to take part in an international conference organized by the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. The meeting was held to commemorate the tenth anniversary of cooperation with the Khachatur Abovyan Armenian State Pedagogical University. Czech and Armenian experts discussed inclusive education, early care and support for families.

The conference entitled 10 Years of Czech–Armenian Cooperation  in the field of inclusive education, educational and social inclusion, and family support was an opportunity to reflect on the past and present of the partnership of both institutions. The conference programme also featured the launch of a book entitled Armenian and Czech families in the mirror of the current times (with the focus on families caring for disabled children) and opening of an exhibition of photos.

The afternoon sessions focused on early care, family support, inclusive education, social work and community services. The participants discussed their importance for everyday life as well as for the educational and social services to work. Towards the end of the conference, the participants discussed opportunities for further development of higher education international cooperation e.g. through the Erasmus+ programme.

The cooperation between the universities has been developing in a systematic way since 2016. The cooperation mostly focuses on special pedagogy, support for children with disabilities and their families, and looking for ways to better include people with specific needs into the educational system as well as the community. Such joint meetings make it possible for the participants to compare the Czech and Armenian experience and discuss what can be transferred to practice.