SKILD Center, in partnership with the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), the British Council, and the Center for Educational Research and Development (CRDP), established this annual day to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of students with learning differences.

The day is typically celebrated in April, usually around the 22nd, featuring conferences, formal dinners, or large gatherings that convene key stakeholders.

The purpose of the National Day:

• to Raise Awareness: Highlight the reality, challenges, and potential of students with learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, etc.).
• Advocacy: Advocate for inclusive policies, revised laws (like Law 220/2000 for special needs), and the right to quality, inclusive education for all children in Lebanon.
• Support: Provide resources and support for the students and their families/caregivers.

Past themes and topics have included:

• Inclusion in Education: Discussing the national policy for inclusive education and the role of schools (both public and private) in catering to individual learning needs.
• Work is a Right and not a Good Deed: Focus on employment inclusion for individuals with special needs. Bringing together lawmakers, employers, and activists to discuss equal opportunities and the revision of Law 220/2000 for special needs.
• Solid Roots…Infinite Horizons: Paid tribute to advocacy and policy roots while looking forward to inclusive education and community integration becoming the norm.

Who Attends?

The event is typically attended by a mix of influential figures and community members, including:

• Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
• Ambassadors (like the British Ambassador).
• Lawmakers and Activists working on special needs laws.
• Experts and Academics in special education.
• Teachers, parents, and students from across Lebanon.

In short, SKILD’s National Day is a major annual event that focuses on shifting the national culture in Lebanon toward greater acceptance, respect, and inclusion for children and youth with learning differences.