Hear our voices!
Young people with special needs meet with Minister of Social Development to discuss inclusion
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- العربية
A group of Omani children, including those with special needs, yesterday met with the Minister of Social Development to discuss the inclusion of children with disabilities in society and the availability of services to help them reach their full potential.
The five children spoke about inclusive education, training and healthcare services as well as access to sports facilities and clubs. They also discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their lives.
There are 10,880 children in Oman with disabilities, according to Oman’s E-Census 2020.
“We are continually striving to improve and expand services for children with disabilities,” said Minister of Social Development Laila Ahmed Al Najjar. “As we do this, it’s vital that we listen to the voices of adolescents and youth to understand their views on the solutions and opportunities to improve their wellbeing.”
“Inclusion of children with disabilities is a key area of work for us,” said UNICEF Oman Officer in Charge Liibaan Dahir. “Today was an important opportunity for adults to listen to the kids’ opinions. They have a right to be heard.”
I am proud that I study in the same school as children without disabilities. I want the relevant authorities to understand the importance of integrating people with disabilities in public places such as sports stadiums and parks, and to support their participation in international competitions.
Sultan won a gold metal at the Bahrain First Open Championship for Boccia in 2019.
UNICEF is supporting the Government of Oman in a number of areas relating to children with disabilities. These include data collection, disability classification, strengthening case management, developing an action plan for the inclusion of children with disabilities in the education system, providing training for teachers and social workers, and social and behaviour change communication to encourage good practices and uptake of available services.
Today’s meeting is one of a series of flagship events to mark the 75th anniversary of UNICEF globally and the 50th anniversary of UNICEF in Oman. Children also recently attended a roundtable discussion with the Minister of Health to discuss mental health, and with members of the State Council to speak up about education.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.
