Garowe, Puntland – October 12, 2021
In a united call for inclusion, the Puntland Disability Organizations Network (PDON), alongside local educators, community leaders, and DPO representatives, hosted a two-day workshop from October 11–12, 2021, focused on advocating for the right of children with disabilities (CWDs) to access quality education.
Held at the New Rays Hotel Conference Hall in Garowe, the workshop brought together passionate voices to promote equal opportunities for girls and boys with special needs and to strengthen inclusive education practices across Puntland.
Creating Space for Rights and Solidarity
The event fostered an environment of solidarity, hope, and collaboration. Participants engaged in open discussions, group work, and interactive sessions that emphasized the urgent need to address barriers preventing children with disabilities from attending school. The event served as a platform for networking and strategy-building among DPOs, educators, and community advocates.
Objectives of the Workshop
The overarching goal of the workshop was to boost school enrollment for children with special needs and ensure sustainable community support for inclusive education. Specific objectives included:
- Strengthening partnerships between schools and communities
- Building awareness of the importance of inclusive education
- Enhancing the capacity of teachers, parents, and community members to support CWDs’ access to education
Interactive Learning and Participatory Approaches
The workshop employed a participatory methodology, combining:
- Presentations on types of disabilities and barriers
- Picture cards for visual learning
- Group discussions and Q&A sessions
- Collaborative brainstorming exercises
Participants explored distinctions between disability and impairment, and learned practical strategies to transform barriers into opportunities for inclusion.
Key Themes and Discussions
Several core issues were highlighted throughout the event:
- Challenges faced by children with disabilities in Puntland, including lack of accessibility, stigma, and exclusion
- The role of DPOs in advocating for inclusive education by influencing school authorities, community leaders, and media
- Contextual enablers and obstacles to inclusive practices within public services and schools
Presentations Delivered
Three insightful presentations guided the discussions:
- Challenges Facing CWDs in Puntland – Current realities and gaps in services
- Mainstreaming Disability – Types, barriers, and inclusive practices
- Role of DPOs and Teachers – Advocating for children’s rights and creating safe learning environments
Workshop Outcomes
By the end of the two-day event, participants committed to:
- Actively supporting the government in realizing its child protection goals
- Utilizing communication tools—especially media and social networks—to raise awareness of children’s rights
- Launching community radio programs focused on the rights of children with disabilities
- Promoting youth engagement and content creation to amplify the voices of children and young people with special needs
The workshop concluded with a shared belief: that inclusive education is not just a right, but a pathway to a more just and equitable Puntland. With greater awareness and stronger collaboration, every child—regardless of ability—can and should have a seat in the classroom.
