VALERIYA SOKOLOVA, Director of the Festival “Steps towards!”, executive director of the Charitable Fund for Support and Development of Musical Culture and Education
The differentiating concept of the Festival “Steps Towards!” is joint participation of healthy children and children with limited capabilities in various creative programs and activities of the festival. We are convinced in necessity of this project which successful realization would promote enhanced social adaptation of the children with limited capabilities within the modern society… The level of civilization of any state or society is mainly determined by its attitude towards and treatment of the weakest members of the society. There will be more people with limited capabilities, physically and mentally challenged within our society in the near future which means we must learn and strive to live, work, create, and associate with them on the highest level as with equals. Development of real tolerant society would let St. Petersburg to become a mega-polis with European consciousness and recognition.