A pioneering step towards inclusive education
In its ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the pillar of building a vibrant society and responsible citizens, the Saudi Ministry of Education announced the launch of the “Madaris” digital platform. This platform serves as the official and accredited portal for the “Educational Services Purchase” program, also known as the “Educational Vouchers” system, which aims to provide comprehensive support for students with disabilities and facilitate their access to quality education that meets their specific needs.
General context: Empowering people with disabilities within Vision 2030
The launch of the “Madaris” platform comes as part of a comprehensive national strategy to empower people with disabilities and fully integrate them into society. Historically, the Kingdom has made continuous efforts to develop special education services, from establishing specialized institutes to implementing inclusion programs in mainstream education. With the launch of Vision 2030, the pace of digital transformation has accelerated across all government sectors, including education. This initiative aims to leverage technology to streamline procedures, enhance transparency, and ensure that government support reaches those who need it efficiently and easily, thus easing the burden on families and guaranteeing their children's right to the best possible educational opportunities.
Comprehensive benefits and unlimited support
The initiative to purchase educational services through the “Madaris” platform offers a range of exceptional benefits that address the financial and logistical challenges faced by families of students with disabilities. Key among these benefits are:
- Full tuition fee coverage: The initiative covers tuition fees in accredited private schools in full, removing the financial barrier for families.
- Providing school transportation: The benefits extend to providing suitable and appropriate means of transportation that meet the needs of students, to ensure that they arrive at their schools safely and comfortably.
- Integrated support services: The initiative ensures that students receive all the necessary support services within the educational environment, such as speech and language therapy sessions and occupational therapy, to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment.
Target groups of the program
The Ministry of Education has identified four main categories of students with disabilities to benefit from this specialized program, namely:
- Students with autism spectrum disorder.
- Students with intellectual disabilities.
- Students with multiple disabilities.
- Students who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The importance and expected impact of the initiative
The launch of the “Madaris” platform is more than just a financial support initiative. Locally, it promotes equal educational opportunities and contributes to the effective social inclusion of this valued group. It also encourages the private education sector to develop its programs and capabilities in special education. Regionally, this step positions the Kingdom among the leading countries in the care and education of people with disabilities using the latest technologies. Internationally, the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all, thus reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to international standards and conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities.
