Kovcheg

This programme, run by parents and teachers, was set up to help integrate children with special educational needs into mainstream secondary education. Secondary School No 1321 in Moscow houses the project and caters for 514 pupils, of which 237 have special needs and 90 are registered disabled. There is a broad curriculum and high academic standards are expected of all children. Although situated in Moscow's Lefortovo District, children from all over the city attend Kovcheg. There is even a small hostel for children who do not have a safe home of their own.

Over the next few years Kovcheg aims to:

• continue developing the integration of special needs teaching skills with mainstream teaching
• Expand the activities of early development groups and social adaptation of graduates with learning difficulties
• Establish job placement opportunities
• disseminate integrated education to other regions in Russia.