An exhibition of handicrafts has opened at Azerbaijan's first Inclusive Art School

An exhibition of handicrafts by students with disabilities who completed the 3-month course of Azerbaijan's first Inclusive Art School has opened at the Baku DOST Center No. 4. More than 300 handicrafts by 26 students will be displayed at the three-day exhibition, which will run from 1pm to 4pm on June 30 and from 11am to 4pm on July 1-2.

The opening ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Board of the State Employment Agency Mustafa Abbasbayli, Representative of the Secretariat of the First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fargan Abbaszadeh and UNDP Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti, as well as students, parents, teachers and media representatives.

It was noted that the first Inclusive Art School of Azerbaijan was established within the project "Ensuring the rights and welfare of women with disabilities and veterans of the Karabakh war" initiated by the First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva. The project is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Population Fund.

Students with disabilities are taught knowledge and skills in painting, weaving and wood carving at the Inclusive Art School No. 4 in Baku's DOST Center, along with students without disabilities. The school is equipped with furniture and equipment based on the principle of universal design, which is accessible to all. The Inclusive School of the Arts increases students' self-employment opportunities by providing them with new skills and knowledge.

Anyone wishing to enroll in school courses can apply by filling out the application form at https://bit.ly/3wn6gq5.

The purpose of the exhibition is to introduce the talents and skills of people with disabilities to society, to support their creative opportunities, stimulate their activities and integration into society.

It is also planned to sell the works displayed at the exhibition, and the proceeds from the sale will be presented directly to the students of the school. Demonstrated handicrafts are also available through the electronic catalog on the Virtual Skills Development and Training Virtual Laboratory (V-Lab) www.vlaboratoriya.social.gov.az platform.