In a significant step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing the human capital of all segments of society, the Ministry of Education launched the "We Are All With You" initiative today in the Holy City of Mecca, in strategic partnership with the Royal Commission for Mecca and the Holy Sites. The launch was attended by a number of prominent figures, including the Assistant Minister of Education for Private Education and Investment, Iyad Al-Qaraawi, the Mayor of Mecca, Musaed Al-Dawood, and the CEO of the Royal Commission, Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed.
A supportive national context and an ambitious vision
This initiative comes within the context of a comprehensive national transformation led by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has given considerable attention to the rights of persons with disabilities, not only from a social welfare perspective, but also from the perspective of empowerment and investment in their potential. Vision programs, specifically the Human Capacity Development Program and the Quality of Life Program, work to transform this group into productive and active members of society by removing barriers and providing inclusive educational and professional environments that guarantee them a dignified and independent life.
The initiative's goals and its six tracks
The “We Are All With You” initiative primarily aims to support and empower students with disabilities by providing integrated opportunities covering educational, rehabilitative, health, and social aspects. The initiative seeks to enhance students' independence and support their active integration into the labor market and society, thereby achieving a sustainable humanitarian and developmental impact. The initiative was launched through six integrated tracks encompassing twenty high-quality opportunities, which are:
- The right path.
- The technical path.
- The educational path.
- Career path.
- Community path.
- The athletic track.
The importance of partnership and the integration of roles
The Director General of Education in the Makkah Region, Abdullah bin Saad Al-Ghannam, affirmed that this initiative fulfills students' rights to equitable empowerment and reinforces the principle of inclusive education. He noted that the work was carried out in full cooperation with the Royal Commission to study the students' actual needs based on their real-world experiences. For his part, the CEO of the Royal Commission, Saleh Al-Rasheed, praised the level of institutional partnership, commending the role played by the Sanad City for Special Education as a pioneering model in providing educational and rehabilitation services.
Expected impact and launch of the “Nusk” fund
This initiative is expected to bring about a qualitative leap in the level of services provided to people with disabilities in the Makkah region, contributing to bridging the gap between educational outcomes and the labor market demands of this valued group. The launch ceremony witnessed the inauguration of the "Nusuk Humanitarian Fund" and the launch of the initiative's digital platform, in addition to showcasing student success stories and achievements, highlighting their considerable potential when provided with a supportive environment.
