Transformational Leadership for Equity and Inclusion symposium has been held for senior officials of Gaafu Alifu Atoll

A symposium titled Transformational Leadership for Equity and Inclusion has been held in Laamu Atoll. This is a series on symposiums run by the Department in collaboration with Unicef Maldives.

The symposium aimed at fostering equity and inclusion for children with disabilities within schools and communities brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the region to discuss and strategize ways to promote comprehensive inclusivity.

The three-day symposium, held from August 28th to August 30th, 2023, in Laamu Fonadhoo was a part of the ongoing efforts to ensure that children with disabilities receive equal opportunities within educational institutions and communities. The event marked the second of its kind in the year, with a third symposium scheduled for October in Shaviyani Atoll.

The symposium was attended by 50 participants representing various sectors of the community, including atoll councils, island councils, Women Development Committees, school leaders, the Maldives National Defense Force, the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Socials Services, schools, NGOs, and other service providers. This multi-stakeholder engagement demonstrated a collective commitment to the cause of inclusive education.

Keynote speeches and workshops were conducted during the three-day event, which aimed to address challenges in implementing inclusive education policies. One of the primary objectives was to foster cross-sector collaboration and community engagement in the implementation of inclusive education policies. Participants also focused on developing strategies to raise awareness about inclusive education within the community and to encourage active involvement from all sectors.

The symposium highlighted the significance of multi-sectoral commitment to effectively implement inclusive education policies. It provided a platform for open discussions, enabling stakeholders to understand the complexities and nuances of the issue while brainstorming effective solutions. A panel discussion involving multiple stakeholders further underscored the importance of collaboration for building a sustainable and inclusive community.

Part of the symposium's outcomes involved formulating actionable plans at the island level to bridge gaps in multi-sectoral collaboration. By involving key players from different sectors, the event aimed to lay the groundwork for long-term change in how the community supports children with disabilities.