Over 7,000 children with special needs are currently involved in various educational programs, the Kyrgyz Education Minister, Abdylda Musaev said Friday at a final collegium.

According to the census conducted by the Education Ministry in May-September 2009, 635 public education facilities with exclusive programs involve up to 3,500 children with special needs. 15 special boarding-schools educate 2,425 children, while 482 children attend four regular public schools. Moreover, 1,256 children regularly attend 14 special day-care facilities.

In coordination with the Ministry of Interior Affairs, education authorities intend to launch a campaign on attraction or return of children to school. Therefore, the officers intend to closely cooperate with parents of the children.