Huambo: The deputy governor for the Political, Social and Economic sector of Huambo province, Angelino Elavoco, has reaffirmed the local government's dedication to enhancing educational access for children with special needs. This commitment was emphasized during a workshop focused on the challenges of inclusive education under the theme 'Include to transform - together for special education with equality, equity and respect for differences'.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Angelino Elavoco highlighted the goal of not merely integrating special needs students with their peers but fully including them in classrooms without imposing limitations based on their disabilities. He emphasized that recognizing individual differences is crucial for enabling every child to progress and dream without restrictions.
Elavoco reiterated the Huambo government's pledge to continue developing policies and initiatives that promote inclusive education, ensuring schools become environments where children can express themselves freely and where diversity is both highlighted and celebrated.
The workshop aimed to establish a sustainable framework for transforming special education through an inclusive lens across all municipalities in Huambo province. The goal is to expand pedagogical support centers for inclusive education throughout the region, focusing on the benefits of this educational approach.
Elavoco called upon stakeholders, including the Education office, municipal administrations, teachers, and the broader community, to become more actively involved in promoting and expanding inclusive education.
In addition, M¡rio Rodrigues, director of the Education office in Huambo province, revealed plans for several initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive education. These initiatives ensure that all children, regardless of disability, share the same learning environment. Rodrigues noted that Huambo boasts 101 inclusive schools across 17 municipalities, serving over two thousand students with more than 200 specially trained teachers.
Rodrigues stressed that inclusive education requires raising awareness among families, commercial banks, and companies, encouraging them to participate in training programs for educators and school managers. The creation of essential resources and networks to support these efforts is also vital.
Janice Neves, the national director of the Institute of Special Education, discussed 'Inclusive education in Angola, from legislation to daily practice', identifying prejudice and architectural barriers as significant challenges. She emphasized that inclusive education should not be seen as a charity but as a fundamental right.
Neves outlined objectives such as constructing more schools, establishing more inclusion support centers, and preparing educators to ensure the regular functioning of the inclusion process. Currently, Angola has 44,918 students with special needs enrolled in 1,644 inclusive schools, with plans to transform 22 of these into inclusion support centers.
The workshop, held at the 'CEFOJOR-Huambo' Journalist Training Center, covered topics including 'Development of a culture of inclusion in communities', 'Experience of special education from an inclusive perspective in Brazil', and 'The role of resource centers in the inclusion process'.
