Sihlume Kunye: In Conversation

What Is Inclusive Education — and Why Should It Matter to You?

We hear the words “inclusive education” often — but what does inclusion actually mean in the everyday experiences of children, families, teachers and schools?

Is a child included simply because they have access to a classroom? Is inclusive education only relevant when a child has a diagnosed disability or additional support need? And whose responsibility is it to make sure that children are able to learn, participate and experience a sense of belonging?

For our first Sihlume Kunye: In Conversation, we are going back to the beginning.

Together, we will unpack what inclusive education means, challenge some of the common assumptions surrounding it, and explore why inclusion should matter to all of us — whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, school leader, professional or simply someone who cares about the environments in which children learn and grow.

The conversation will explore:

• What we mean when we talk about inclusive education
• The difference between access, participation and belonging
• Why inclusion is about more than disability or diagnosis
• What inclusion can look like in everyday learning environments
• The roles that families, teachers, schools, professionals and communities can play
• Practical ways we can begin creating environments in which more children can participate, learn and thrive

You do not need to be an expert in inclusive education to join us.

Come with your experiences, your questions and your curiosity.

Sihlume Kunye — Growing Together. ??????