Education isn’t just about textbooks; it’s about unlocking the potential within every person regardless of their abilities.
World Education Day celebrated every year on January 24th presents an opportunity to not only champion education for all but also to advocate for inclusive and equitable education that caters to the diverse needs of learners with disabilities.
This day allows us to shatter the barriers that confine learners with disabilities and celebrate education’s boundless possibilities for all.
Fueled by the vision of 59 nations, World Education Day bloomed in December 2018 at the United Nations, recognizing the crucial role education plays in building a world of peace and development.
But for persons with disabilities, that world of possibility remains locked away. This day allows us to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing education: the lack of accessibility features, funding disparities, and the urgent need for innovative teaching methods.
It’s a call to dismantle these barriers and create classrooms where every learner with a disability can not only attend but truly thrive.
Sadly, the reality falls short. A recent study by EnableMe revealed that 80% of integrated schools lack basic accessibility features, while 75% of teachers report inadequate training to support students with disabilities.
This paints a clear picture that integration remains a hollow promise, failing to deliver true inclusivity and leaving countless students behind.
World Education Day is a reminder that education is a human right, not a privilege, which means parents, education stakeholders, and the Ministry of Education must work together to ensure that every student, regardless of their disability, has access to an inclusive and equitable education that allows them to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.