Abu dhabi: The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity has pledged an $11 million grant to the Special Olympics Global Centre for Inclusion in Education, based in Abu Dhabi. This significant financial commitment aims to broaden the reach of the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) initiative, which is designed to foster social inclusion among youth with and without intellectual disabilities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the grant will facilitate the expansion of UCS through 10 new country programmes within its existing 152-country network, highlighting the UAE's dedication to promoting global inclusion. The funding will also support the development of a professional platform to train over 6,000 educators worldwide, including teachers, coaches, and youth mentors, in best practices for inclusion.
Additionally, the grant will enhance the Corps of Inclusive Educators, a global network providing peer-to-peer learning and assistance to teachers and school leaders, with the goal of embedding inclusive practices into school cultures for lasting impact. The Special Olympics Global Centre for Inclusion in Education, established in 2020 from a $25 million donation by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, serves as a global hub for research, policy, and programming in inclusive education.
The announcement was made during an event hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Key attendees included Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, and Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. H.E. Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, UAE, delivered the opening remarks.
Yousef Al Otaiba emphasized the UAE's commitment to empowering youth of all abilities and fostering global collaboration to create lasting change. Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Acting Director-General of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, highlighted the transformative power of inclusive education in shaping communities and societies.
Dr. Timothy Shriver underscored the importance of the grant as an affirmation of inclusion as a transformative force rather than charity. The UCS programme, which engages sports and youth leadership, has supported thousands of Unified Champion Schools globally, involving over 1.1 million young people.
Special Olympics Rwanda athlete, Patience Irfasha, shared how participating in Unified Sports has positively impacted her life, helping her make new friends and recognize the value everyone contributes. Evaluations of UCS in countries like China, Greece, and India demonstrate consistent benefits, including enhanced social-emotional skills and improved academic performance.
In Greece, for instance, students reported significant growth in competencies such as patience and empathy, illustrating the positive outcomes of inclusive education initiatives.