MOSCOW, October 12 – RIA "Dagestan". Makhachkala Gymnasium No. 4, named after Hero of Russia S.V. Podvalny, has been selected as a finalist in the XIII All-Russian Competition "Best Inclusive School of Russia — 2026" hosted by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and operated by Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.
The institution presented its innovative tutor support model, "Hand in Hand: The Tutor as a Guide for a Child with Cerebral Palsy" within the "Best Inclusive School" nomination. Out of 167 participating organizations from 71 federal subjects, only forty advanced to the final stage, with ten finalists per category evaluated by a panel of 44 experts.
The competition aims to disseminate best practices in inclusive education and recreation. Gymnasium’s history of inclusion dates back to February 29, 2008, when it opened Dagestan’s first specialized class for children with disabilities. Currently serving 915 students, including 66 with disabilities and 90 with special needs—primarily musculoskeletal impairments—the school employs three educational models: home-based, inclusive class and specialized class.
The "Hand in Hand" initiative focuses on maximizing student independence through systematic tutoring that bridges gaps between students, teachers, parents and peers. The facility ensures a barrier-free environment equipped with ramps, elevators, tactile signage, sensory relaxation zones, medical and correctional rooms, and adapted transport. Notably, school principal Iraida Pashuk, the laureate of the regional "Education Leader" award in 2018 and presidential grant winner in 2019, did much to upgrade the school’s material-technical infrastructure.
The federal round finals are scheduled for October 21–23 in Moscow.