A significant milestone was reached today as the second cohort of the two-month capacity-building programme on Balanced and Inclusive Education (BIE) concluded with a distinguished graduation ceremony. Held at the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the event celebrated the achievements of 15 educators, including government officials and technical experts from OSC Member States and Associate Members, who were awarded certificates for their commitment to advancing BIE principles.
Secretary-General Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, who presided over the ceremony, commended the graduates for their unwavering dedication to the humanist ideals that inspire their work within their respective ministries and curriculum development centres. In his address, he emphasised the crucial role these newly skilled professionals will play in shaping more inclusive educational systems across the Global South.
In her remarks, Dr. Shubhangi Sharma, Under-Secretary-General of the OSC’s Department of Systemic and Endogenous Educational Development, highlighted the transformative potential of the BIE framework. She stated, “The programme is designed to fundamentally rethink the purpose and delivery of education, addressing systemic challenges holistically to foster a ‘Third Way’ of Development.”
The graduates expressed their eagerness to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to create more inclusive and equitable educational environments in their home countries. Mrs. Fatima Ezzeldeen A.Aziz Alshweiky a lecturer from Palestine shared her commitment to integrating inclusive teaching strategies into her curriculum development efforts. Similarly, Michael Kasule from African Curriculum Association (ACA) Uganda announced his plans to integrate BIE practices as he continues to facilitie capacity building programmes and delivers on curriculum implementation, pedagogy and assessment across Uganda.
This graduation marks the successful completion of the first of three training sessions scheduled for this year, forming a crucial part of the OSC Institute’s flagship programme. The initiative is central to the organisation’s broader mission to enhance educational capacities in Member States, promote transdisciplinary research, and support endogenous development initiatives.
As the graduates return to their respective countries, they carry with them the tools to effect meaningful change in their educational systems, driving forward the principles of Balanced and Inclusive Education. The OSC Institute remains committed to supporting these efforts, as it continues to nurture the next generation of educational leaders dedicated to building a more inclusive future for all.
