Workshop commences on inclusive education for children with disabilities

A workshop has commenced on Sunday with respect to addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with disabilities, and transforming education for more inclusivity.

The one-day workshop will see participation from all stakeholders in the education sector.

They will discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with disabilities and explore paths for more inclusivity in education during this workshop.

Additionally, stakeholders from the government, NGOs and UNICEF will hold joint discussions on improving the education sector in the view of inclusivity.

The workshop comprises of two components. Participants will share their own experiences during the workshop.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the workshop – UNICEF’s acting-Representative to the Maldives Dr. Saja Farooq expressed joy over such a workshop being initiated by children with disabilities.

Saja said that 15 percent of the world's population has various degrees of disabilities – which amounts to approximately one billion people. She added that 240 million people out of this are children.

“These children often struggle to obtain education in many societies. Even struggle in acquiring healthcare and social services. This leads to them being left behind. The COVID-19 pandemic especially posed many obstructions in the education of such children,” she had said.

Saja expressed hope that the workshop would produce fruitful results.

The workshop will see attendance by senior officials from Education Ministry, schools, children with disabilities, and their parents.