Education is important for all

Education is important for all

This is a lesson we are all taught in our childhood. But when I gained consciousness, I realized that just memorizing words does not make thoughts a part of action. We are a part of a society where people are divided on the basis of factors like color, race, language, creed, economic and social status.

One such concept is “special persons” or interpersonal disabilities. On the basis of differences in physical or mental abilities, the Supreme Creation of the Creator is viewed with prejudice by his own sex. Instead of their abilities, their ability to see, hear or walk is made the criterion of their competence. Sports, education, employment, they do not get equal opportunities for development at every stage.

Describing individuals as different from the norm for being different from the majority may be an ancient tradition. But in today's era, it is not acceptable to deprive children of equal educational and training facilities due to individual differences.

Education and research

Education and research have changed the ancient thinking about disability among individuals. According to the United Nations Convention on Persons with Disabilities, social and environmental barriers turn disabilities into constraints. Any lack of ability cannot be a hindrance to human success if suitable changes are made in the environment. For example, if a building has ramps, a person using a wheelchair can move around with equal ease. Similarly, if all the information is pasted in writing in a railway station, even a hearing-impaired person can easily find the desired train.

It is an indisputable fact that disability and economic distress go hand in hand. Disability rates are higher in economically disadvantaged societies. Disability leads to further poverty. In this way, the conditions become worse and the opportunities for development are limited. Education is the only way to bring about a positive change in the situation.

Inclusive education is the most effective way to equip students with diverse abilities. The basic philosophy of inclusive education is that "all children, regardless of their individual differences, should be given opportunities to study with their siblings in the nearest school".

Inclusive education is not a foreign agenda that is being imposed on us. Rather, it is the legacy of Muslims. The great teacher Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ brought the light of truth to all without discrimination of color, race, religion, ability, gender.

Our mosque has always been an inclusive center of knowledge and if we take an impartial assessment of today's educational conditions, we find diverse schools in simple rural environments and educational institutions where the promotion of education is considered a religious duty. There seems to be more acceptance and openness to students.

Inadequate knowledge about special children often hinders teachers and general public from adopting a positive attitude towards inclusive education. Imagine how much effort you need to get a smart child who uses a wheelchair to school? If a ramp is provided and the washroom door is opened, the school will become suitable for that child. Similarly, if a child is very visually impaired, he can be taught easily by placing him in the front rows near the window in the classroom and writing large and clear on the board. An able-bodied child in a class can be one of the best in his class if he is accommodated with ease and parents provide appropriate glasses and visual aids.


All these examples emphasize that not all special children suffer from severe physical, mental or behavioral problems. With proper modification of the school building and presence of teaching assistants, they can successfully study in their nearest school.

The willingness and willingness of teachers is most important for the success of inclusive education. If teachers are given proper awareness of inclusive education in their professional education and training, the doors of education can be opened for millions of special children who are currently out of school.

Much of the learning in the early years is delivered through practical activities using a variety of teaching materials. If teachers are given practical training on the basic concepts and principles of special children and inclusive education, inclusive education at this level can be introduced quickly and with little ease.