Inclusive education a tactic that empowers all children to experience a sense of belonging - Reddy

Minister for Education Dr Mahendra Reddy says inclusive education is a tactic that empowers all children to experience a sense of belonging within their local schools.

Reddy stressed that children can exceed expectations only if they are provided with the right tools and a conducive environment.

Reddy says it is based on the principle that all children have the right to fully participate in all school activities and their communities alongside their peers, and the understanding that all children can learn – if they are provided with an appropriate learning environment, appropriate equipment and parental support.

He says they were working closely with the Access to Quality Education Programme which is funded by the Australian Aid Programme through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Special and Inclusive Education Unit at the Education Ministry to allow children with disabilities to access education.

Reddy says they want to eliminate any gap in education, and administer quality education that is accessible by all, including the people with disabilities.

He says the Ministry of Education has been making efforts to strengthen inclusive education options for children with disabilities and their families across Fiji, while continuing to support the services that special schools provide children with particular and complex disabilities.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities will be observed next Saturday with the theme “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”.