The Association for Assistance to People with Autism "Children of Light" from Banja Luka, in partnership with the Association of Parents of Children with Autism "Duga" from Gradiška, last week organized street actions to collect signatures of support for the improvement of inclusive education of children with disabilities in their cities.

The campaign aims to provide support for the initiative to amend the Regulation on the Education of Children with Disabilities and the Regulation on Norms and Standards for Financing the Work of Primary Schools, which would improve the position of teaching assistants through a clearer definition of their jobs and tasks, improvement of their employment and legal status, as well as creating the prerequisites for better quality education and more adequate financial evaluation of their work.

Teaching assistants represent one of the most important links in inclusive education. Their daily support enables children with disabilities to participate more equally in the teaching process, develop their potential and exercise their right to education in accordance with their capabilities. At the same time, they provide significant support to teachers and professional associates, contributing to the quality of work of the entire department.

During the street actions, citizens had the opportunity to learn about the challenges that assistants face every day, the conditions in which they work, and the reasons why it is necessary to systematically improve their position. A large number of citizens expressed their understanding of this initiative and supported it by signing a petition.

After the successfully implemented activities in Banja Luka and Gradiška, the collection of signatures will also be organized in Prijedor during the first half of August. Citizens who are unable to sign the petition at the stands can also do so electronically, by filling out an online form.

We invite all citizens to support the initiative with their signature and contribute to the creation of a higher quality, fairer and more sustainable system of inclusive education in the Republika Srpska. Investing in teaching assistants is not just an investment in a profession – it is an investment in children with disabilities, their families and the education system as a whole.

Each signature represents the message that inclusive education must be accompanied by quality and professional support, so that every child has equal opportunities for learning, development and full participation in school life.