Kulgam IMarch 13, 2025 – On the directions of the Chief Education Officer Kulgam, the Education Zone Devsar organised an impactful Environment Building Programme for Children with Special Needs as part of its Inclusive Education initiative. The event took place at South Valley B.Ed College, aiming to foster a supportive and inclusive educational ecosystem for differently-abled children in the region.
The programme, held earlier this week, was a collaborative effort between the Zonal Education Officer Kulgam and the CEO’s office. It brought together educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to address the unique needs of CWSN and promote their integration into mainstream education. The event aligns with broader efforts in the Kulgam district to enhance inclusivity, as highlighted by recent initiatives led by local authorities.
Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, M Afzal Parray, presided over a similar event on March 11 at the DIET building in Kulgam, where he reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of specially-abled children. Speaking at that occasion, Parray pledged to advocate tirelessly for their rights and opportunities, ensuring no stone is left unturned in creating a nurturing environment. The South Valley B.Ed College event builds on this momentum, focusing specifically on capacity-building and awareness within the Devsar Education Zone.
The Environment Building Programme featured interactive sessions, discussions, and workshops aimed at equipping educators with the tools and strategies needed to support CWSN effectively. Topics included adaptive teaching methods, accessibility in classrooms, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding among students and staff. South Valley B.Ed College, known for its contributions to teacher training in the region, provided an apt venue for this initiative, underscoring the role of educational institutions in driving social change.
Local officials emphasized the importance of such programmes in breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable access to education. “Inclusive education is not just a policy—it’s a commitment to every child’s potential,” said a representative from the Education Zone Devsar. The initiative also reflects national and regional priorities, with authorities across Jammu and Kashmir increasingly focusing on special educational needs as part of broader reforms.
The event concluded with a call to action from organizers and participants, who expressed a collective resolve to sustain efforts toward inclusivity. Stakeholders vowed to continue collaborating with schools, parents, and community leaders to ensure that children with special needs in Kulgam receive the support they deserve.
This programme comes amid growing attention to special education in the region, with recent public engagements—such as the public darbar chaired by Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan in Devsar on March 1—highlighting the community’s demand for improved infrastructure and services. While that event focused on broader civic issues like irrigation and water supply, the emphasis on education for all remains a unifying thread in Kulgam’s development agenda.
As the district continues to prioritize the needs of its most vulnerable populations, initiatives like the Environment Building Programme signal a promising step forward in making inclusive education a reality for children with special needs.