EPERE Project Study Visit to Poland
Within the framework of the Swedish Institute–funded project
Objectives of the Study Visit
The primary objectives of the study visit were to:
- strengthen international and inter-institutional cooperation among project partners;
- facilitate exchange of knowledge and good practices in inclusive education for children with intellectual disabilities;
- review progress and interim results within the research and management work packages;
- align project implementation strategies and plan subsequent activities.
Activities – First Half of the Day
The programme began with an official meeting at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, attended by Professor Thomas Barow (Örebro University, Sweden) and Dr Dorota Chimicz (UMCS, Poland). The meeting focused on the overall progress of the EPERE project, strategic priorities, and the roles and responsibilities of partner institutions in achieving the project’s objectives.
This was followed by a study visit to the Specialised Centre for Inclusive Education Support (SCWEW) operating within a special school and educational centre in Świdnik. Participants were introduced to practical models of inclusive education support, including interdisciplinary cooperation, school-based support systems, and collaboration with families and local communities. The visit provided concrete examples of inclusive practices that are relevant for adaptation and transfer to the Ukrainian context.
Activities – Second Half of the Day
The second part of the day was dedicated to structured project work sessions:
- WP1: Project Management and Coordination A coordination meeting chaired by Örebro University (Prof. Thomas Barow) with the participation of UMCS, Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Melitopol State Pedagogical University, and Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University. The session addressed project governance, coordination mechanisms, internal communication, and alignment of timelines and responsibilities.
- WP2.1: Research Seminar A research-focused session dedicated to the discussion and assessment of preliminary findings. The seminar was moderated by Dr Dorota Chimicz (UMCS) and Dr Kateryna Bondar (Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University). Particular attention was given to methodological consistency, data interpretation, and cross-country comparability of research results.
- WP2.2: Community Needs Mapping A progress presentation on the mapping of community needs, including key challenges encountered and planned next steps. The session was facilitated by Hanna Varyna (Melitopol State Pedagogical University) and Dr Dorota Chimicz (UMCS).
Outcomes and Added Value
The first day of the study visit contributed significantly to:
- strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding among project partners;
- integrating research-based insights with practice-oriented experiences in inclusive education;
- enhancing a shared understanding of systemic challenges faced by children with intellectual disabilities in different national contexts;
- ensuring alignment of project activities with the objectives and expectations of the Swedish Institute.
The insights and experiences gained during the study visit will inform subsequent project activities, including the development of training modules, research outputs, and practical guidelines aimed at strengthening inclusive education and support systems for children with intellectual disabilities in Ukraine.
