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The award, organised by the Regional Centre for Educational Planning (RCEP) in Sharjah under the auspices of UNESCO, seeks to spotlight exemplary models across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Yemen. It aims to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education for all.
The awards programme emphasises the promotion of innovation, resilience, sustainability, and overall wellbeing in the education sector. It encourages educational entities to develop sustainable and effective learning solutions. The awards are granted in two main categories: “Outstanding Project” and “Outstanding Applied Project”. The initiative also aims to cultivate a culture of excellence in education and promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices among educational institutions and professionals in the region.
Sheikha Jamila bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, affirmed that the centre’s recognition reflects the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. She noted that this milestone mirrors the centre’s steadfast commitment to delivering integrated, high-quality services for individuals with learning difficulties, particularly those encountering educational challenges. She added that the centre focuses on equipping these individuals with the skills and competencies necessary to unlock their potential and actively contribute to the community’s development.
Sheikha Jamila also stated that the “Learning Difficulties Simulation Lab” represents a transformative step in understanding and addressing the needs of learners with such challenges. The project highlights the value of innovation, adaptability, and quality in shaping sustainable educational solutions. It also aims to strengthen the capacity of educators, families, and specialists to design tailored educational and developmental strategies. This enables learners with difficulties to overcome obstacles, unleash their creativity, and thrive within an inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates diversity and excellence.
Dr Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Centre for Learning Difficulties, expressed her delight at the award and emphasised the importance of the winning project. “We are proud to receive the Sustainable Education Award for our ‘Learning Difficulties Simulation Lab’, which embodies our vision to create an inclusive educational and rehabilitative environment that empowers individuals with learning difficulties to realise their full potential and actively participate in society,” she said.
She added that the lab is one of the centre’s flagship initiatives aimed at raising awareness about learning difficulties and changing prevalent misconceptions. The project is based on the belief that understanding the nature of learning challenges is the first step toward providing suitable support and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
Dr Al Suwaidi noted that this success would not have been possible without the continuous support received by the centre and the unwavering dedication of its team. She stressed that the award stands as a testament to the centre’s ongoing pursuit of innovative solutions for supporting individuals with learning difficulties and expressed hope that it would further inspire the development of new services and projects that enhance integration and educational quality while ensuring long-term positive impact.
The “Learning Difficulties Simulation Lab” is a unique and impactful initiative developed by the Sharjah Centre for Learning Difficulties. It aims to deepen understanding of learning difficulties by offering participants an interactive experience that mirrors the daily struggles faced by affected students. The lab features practical activities such as reading and writing simulations, along with hands-on training sessions designed for teachers and parents. These activities aim to foster empathy and provide insight into the challenges students encounter, thereby enhancing educational methods and equipping participants with improved pedagogical and psychological skills.
The project helps educators, families, and communities to better understand and support students with learning difficulties by addressing their individual needs more effectively. It contributes to building a more inclusive society that values the diverse talents of its members and supports their pursuit of excellence and success.
The Sharjah Centre for Learning Difficulties was established as a pioneering institution committed to providing comprehensive support for individuals with learning difficulties. The centre focuses on empowering students through personalised education plans, tailored therapeutic sessions, and psychological and social support. It also contributes to community awareness by offering workshops and awareness programmes and by enhancing teachers’ capabilities through specialised training. Winning the Sustainable Education Award further strengthens the centre’s position as a leading force in inclusive education, capable of achieving a lasting and positive educational impact for learners with diverse needs.