Special Education

Special education is intended and designed for children and students who suffer from physical, mental and/or behavioural disabilities. This type of education is aimed at helping the physically and/or mentally disabled students to be able to develop intellectual and emotional relationships within their social, cultural and natural environment and to develop their capability to compete in the job market or continue to higher education. Special education is organized by government and private institutions, namely the Ministry of National Education, other ministries and non-governmental organizations. It consists of special pre-school (one to three years’ duration), special primary school (at least six years’ duration), and special secondary school (at least three years’ duration).

Physical disabilities include visual disorders which result in blindness or in decrease of sight, hearing impairments, and other physical disabilities which affect the motor, sensory and mobility functions of the body. Mental disorders include minor and medium-level mental disorders, whereas behavioural deviations are those disorders which affect children in their adjustment to their environment.

In 1994/95, the total number of special schools was 644, with 7,444 teachers and 31,844 pupils enrolled.