DPS ROHINI
Report on GIEN Workshop: “Voice of the Young People Matter”
Introduction
Attending the Global Inclusive Education Network (GIEN) workshop and participating in the panel discussion on “Voice of the Young People Matter” was a transformative experience. The room was filled with vibrant young individuals, many of whom had special needs, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table. The convening pinpointed the indispensability of inclusivity and the essential part young people have in moulding a more inclusive world where everyone is recognized as a valuable individual.
Questions raised-
- Why there is the same curriculum for every child. How can a child with severe disability cope up with the same difficulty level.
- What actions have been taken to ensure that in every school mental health issues are being taken care of .
Personal Experience
As a panellist, I was struck by the diversity of experiences and viewpoints shared by my peers. Each individual present had something unique to contribute, whether it was through personal anecdotes, insightful debates, or thought-provoking questions. The discussions were rich and varied, touching on crucial topics such as media representation, societal mindsets, educational reforms, and community approaches towards inclusivity for individuals with special needs.
The conversation around the media’s pivotal role in shaping public perception was particularly engaging. We explored whether current portrayals of individuals with special needs are adequate and how the media could be leveraged to contribute to more positive and accurate representations. This led to a lively debate on the responsibility of content creators and the potential impact of inclusive storytelling.
A recurring theme was the persistent mindset within Indian society regarding individuals with special needs. Despite significant progress over the years, there remains a notable lack of awareness and acceptance. The discussion delved into the historical and cultural reasons behind this mindset, with participants sharing personal stories that illustrated the challenges they face daily. Strategies to foster a more inclusive mindset included increasing visibility of individuals with special needs in mainstream media, implementing comprehensive educational programs, and promoting empathy and understanding from a young age.
The potential for change within the educational sector was another significant topic. We discussed how schools and universities can be more accommodating and supportive of students with special needs. There was a consensus on the importance of inclusive curricula, trained educators, and accessible infrastructure. Personal experiences shared by the panelists highlighted the need for systemic changes to ensure that educational institutions are equipped to support all students effectively.
The role of young people and the broader community in driving change was a focal point. We explored how young individuals can lead by example, advocate for inclusivity, and challenge prejudices. The power of grassroots movements and community support was highlighted as a catalyst for broader societal change. We recognized that as the future leaders, it is our responsibility to champion inclusivity and create a society that values and respects all its members.
Addressing prejudices and striving for equality for all was a central theme. We acknowledged the deep-rooted biases that exist and discussed ways to combat them through education, awareness campaigns, and inclusive policies. The discussions were heartfelt and often emotional, underscoring the urgency of the issue and the collective desire for change.
Conclusion
Throughout the workshop, we collectively brainstormed and proposed several solutions, including launching media campaigns that portray positive stories of individuals with special needs, advocating for policy changes in the education sector, and fostering community initiatives that promote inclusivity. Despite the challenges, there was a shared sense of optimism and determination among the participants. We concluded that achieving true inclusivity is a massive-scale project, but as young people, we are the future, and it starts with us. The workshop reinforced the idea that every voice matters and that together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone.
DPS ROHINI,
ARSHIA WAKHLOO
George Abraham, CEO of Score Foundation, attended a dialogue on inclusive education alongside students and their teachers. He was impressed by the format and the insightful discussions.
The workshop highlighted several key themes:
Acceptance: Students emphasized the importance of acceptance, both for oneself and others, as a foundation for inclusion.
Mindset Shift: Awareness building and addressing existing mindsets were identified as crucial hurdles to overcome.
Curriculum Rethink: The idea of a separate curriculum for students with disabilities was discussed, focusing on empowering students with various learning tools instead.
Technology for Inclusion: The potential of technology to bridge learning gaps was acknowledged.
Teacher Training Revamp: Mr. Abraham called to revise the B.Ed. courses to equip teachers with contemporary resources and skills to effectively include all students.
Collaboration is Key: He emphasized the importance of equipping mainstream teachers to handle diverse needs, promoting a sense of parity among students.
Mr. Abraham believes that student ideas from such workshops can be “game-changing” in promoting true inclusion in education. He hopes these discussions will reach the authorities and lead to positive change, allowing every child to experience India in a truly inclusive classroom.
We thank Global Inclusive Education Network (GIEN), its Founding President Mr. Satish Kapoor, and Brotherhood for organizing this engaging and enlightening dialogue.