International Day of Persons with Disabilities: The Education Minister Advocates for a More Humanistic Approach to Disability

The Special Education Needs Authority (SENA) celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at a festive event held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture in Phoenix.

This annual event, which takes place on December 3rd, featured various performances including musical compositions and dances, as well as karate and zumba demonstrations by students with special educational needs (SEN). The theme for this edition was "Promoting Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion."

In attendance were the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, the Ombudsperson for Children, Ms. Aneetah Ghoorah, the president of SENA, Dr. Veemen Kalisetty Appadu, the director of SENA, Ms. Caroline Arekion, and other notable figures.

In his speech, the minister emphasized the need to change public perceptions of individuals with disabilities. He stressed that true inclusion relies on humanistic values and a better understanding of the daily lives of families with disabled members. According to Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, the role of parents, educators, and caregivers is essential in supporting children with special needs, highlighting their crucial contribution to the development of these children. Despite inevitable challenges, the overarching goal, he stated, should be to ensure that children grow up happy and well-adjusted, with opportunities not only for academic success but also for personal growth and fulfillment.

Furthermore, the Minister of Education highlighted the importance of recreational activities and emotional well-being, especially during school holidays, noting that this is a concern raised by many parents. In this regard, he proposed the possibility of establishing partnerships between primary and secondary schools and specialized educational institutions to promote integration and foster a sense of unity and inclusion. The minister praised the performances of SEN students, recognizing their significant talents. He encouraged them to continue pursuing their passions, whether in sports, music, or academics, as they are capable of achieving success despite their disabilities.