Inclusive education is a fundamental right that ensures every child, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to quality education. To advocate for inclusive education and address the needs of students with disabilities, Youth Empowering Council (YECO), in collaboration with Education for All Somalia (EFASOM) and OXFAM Netherlands, organized a National Special Education Needs Forum. Supported by funds from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) under the Education Outloud Project (EOL) Phase I, the forum took place in Cadaado, bringing together key stakeholders to push for inclusive education practices.
The Forum commenced with the participation of esteemed stakeholders. The event was inaugurated by the Cadaado district education officer, who expressed the district’s commitment to inclusive education. The forum welcomed secondary and primary school teachers, principals, representatives from the Ministry of Education of Galmudug State, and members from civil society organizations. This diverse group of participants underscored the collective effort required to drive change in the education sector.
The forum focused on advocating for inclusive education practices and addressing the needs of students with disabilities. Through panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions, the forum aimed to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive education, share best practices, and identify strategies for implementing inclusive policies. Participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations, exploring ways to remove barriers and create an inclusive learning environment for all students.
The National Special Education Needs Forum culminated with closing remarks by YECO’s Executive Director, Mohamed Shariif. He expressed gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and invaluable contributions to the forum. He emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy efforts and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of inclusive education practices. The forum served as a stepping stone towards creating an inclusive educational landscape that caters to the diverse needs of all students.