Mrs Thelma leading the way for inclusive education

Stories | April 2, 2025

Education is a fundamental way in which people living in poor communities can break the cycle of poverty. When children receive both primary and secondary education, they gain lifelong benefits that can not only positively impact their future, but that of future generations too.

At CBM, we believe that every child should be able to attend school and actively participate. That is why we are supporting a project in the Philippines that’s working with a local partner to help children with disabilities to access education by strengthening school heads and teachers’ understanding on inclusive education.

One of those school heads is Mrs Thelma. She is not only an educator, but also a passionate advocate for children with disabilities. As a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, she deeply understands the challenges children with disabilities face and the potential that learning and education can uncover.

Through the project, Mrs Thelma has participated in training on Inclusive Education and gained valuable strategies for teaching and supporting students with disabilities. The impact on children with disabilities has been significant.

Prior to becoming involved in the project, teachers at the school where Mrs Thelma works were often hesitant to accept students with disabilities. However, with training and Mrs Thelma’s advocacy, teachers have become more open and receptive to students with disabilities, recognising the potential of every child.

Mrs Thelma’s unwavering leadership has been instrumental in this transformation. By identifying children with disabilities and actively monitoring the progress of students with disabilities, she ensures that no child is left behind and all children, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.

Today, the school has proudly enrolled 10 students with disabilities, with more being identified. Through ongoing discussions and sharing of experiences, teachers at the school work together to develop effective strategies for addressing the unique needs of their students with disabilities. By overcoming challenges and celebrating successes, they are creating a more inclusive learning community. And it’s not only teachers who now see the potential of children with disabilities. Parents have also become more accepting and supportive of their children’s education. Under Mrs Thelma’s leadership, the school is a shining example of inclusive education.

CBM Australia acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

 

Share this Share story via Twitter Share story via Facebook Share story via LinkedIn Share story via Email Copy this pages Link

https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/mrs-thelma-leading-the-way-for-inclusive-education

Back to Stories