ISLAMABAD: First lady Begum Samina Alvi has stressed on the need to provide inclusive education to children with disabilities (CWDs) in mainstream educational institutions.

Addressing an online teacher training session on inclusive education, Ms Alvi said it was the collective responsibility of the society to create an inclusive learning environment for all students, irrespective of their abilities, says a press release on Tuesday.

The virtual teacher training session was organised by Soliton Technologies in collaboration with Simmons University, USA. More than 200 teachers from across Pakistan attended the online training session on inclusive education for differently-abled children (DACs). Programme Director at Simmons University Prof Christine Evans conducted the online training session.

Addressing the session, the first lady said our education system should cater to the diverse needs of each child, adding that every child, regardless of their disability, should be provided equal opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. She remarked that such training programmes helped teachers understand different disabilities and appropriate teaching methodologies for CWDs.

“Properly trained teachers can create a nurturing environment that fosters inclusivity, empathy, and understanding among all students,” she said.

Begum Samina Alvi emphasised the need for sensitising educators to recognise and polish the unique abilities and strengths of differently-abled children.

She said teachers should focus on the potential of differently-abled children to encourage their participation in various activities of life. She also urged the relevant stakeholders to join hands and take proactive steps towards implementing inclusive education practices in Pakistan.

“By investing in teachers’ training, fostering collaboration, embracing technology and creating an inclusive society, we can ensure that no child is left behind,” the first lady said.

She also called for promoting inclusivity in all spheres of life, and to ensure that differently-abled children have equal access to recreational facilities, social gatherings and employment opportunities to make them feel valued and empowered.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2023