UAE Grants $11 Million To Expand Global Inclusive Education

The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity has announced an $11 million grant to the Abu Dhabi-based Special Olympics Global Centre for Inclusion in Education. This grant will significantly expand the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programme, which promotes social inclusion for youth with and without intellectual disabilities. The initiative is designed to create school communities where every student is respected, valued, and included.

Expanding Unified Champion Schools 

The funding will support the scaling of UCS through 10 new country programmes within the initiative’s 152-country network. This expansion highlights the UAE’s commitment to promoting inclusion globally. By increasing access to UCS, more schools worldwide will implement inclusive practices that benefit all students.

Training Educators Worldwide

A key part of the grant will be used to launch a professional development platform. This platform will train over 6,000 educators, including teachers, coaches, and youth mentors, on effective methods for inclusive education. The goal is to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to create supportive environments where every student can thrive.

Corps Of Inclusive Educators

The funding will also expand the Corps of Inclusive Educators, a global network of mentors who provide peer-to-peer support. These mentors help teachers and school leaders implement inclusive practices, ensuring that schools adopt lasting changes that positively impact students and the wider community.

Centre For Global Thought Leadership

The Special Olympics Global Centre for Inclusion in Education, based in Abu Dhabi, serves as a hub for research, policy, and programming related to inclusive education. Established in 2020 through a $25 million gift from H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Centre continues the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. It acts as a global leader in shaping inclusive education systems.

Announcement At UN General Assembly

The $11 million grant was announced at an event hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The announcement was attended by UAE officials, Special Olympics leaders, and international dignitaries. The event highlighted the UAE’s dedication to global collaboration in promoting inclusion for youth.

Statements From UAE Leaders

Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, emphasized the country’s commitment to empowering youth of all abilities. He said the UAE is proud to partner with Special Olympics to expand opportunities, promote equality, and demonstrate the power of global collaboration to create lasting change.

Dr. Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Acting Director-General of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation, noted that inclusive education transforms communities and shapes positive mindsets. She highlighted that the new grant furthers the legacy of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi.

Special Olympics Perspective

Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics International Board, called the grant a “bold affirmation” of the idea that inclusion is transformative. He explained that the funding will allow UCS to expand, strengthen dignity and equality, and help every child realize their potential through inclusive education.

Impact Of The UCS Programme

The UCS programme uses sports and youth leadership to engage schools in inclusion. To date, 2,831 Unified Champion Schools in 152 countries have participated, reaching over 1.1 million young people. Nearly 19,425 coaches and educators have been trained to deliver inclusive programming that positively impacts students’ social-emotional skills and academic performance.

Student Experiences

Patience Irfasha, a Special Olympics Rwanda athlete, shared that participating in Unified Sports changed her life. She formed friendships and learned that all students, regardless of ability, have valuable contributions to make. Stories like hers highlight the personal impact of inclusive education initiatives.

Proven Benefits Globally

Studies in China, Greece, Egypt, India, the United States, and Kenya show that UCS participation improves social-emotional skills, reading and math performance, and feelings of belonging. In India, 86% of students reported a stronger sense of inclusion, while in Kenya nearly all students felt included. Students in Greece were 9 to 16 times more likely to report growth in empathy, patience, and emotional understanding.

Building A More Inclusive Future

The $11 million grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity will help scale the UCS programme globally, train educators, and expand mentorship networks. These efforts aim to ensure that inclusive education becomes a lasting reality, empowering students of all abilities to thrive in school and life.