Maarif Education, a Saudi education company with a legacy of more than 50 years in K12 education, has partnered with ACCEL International, a special educational needs support organization in the US. The partnership will contribute to establishing a multi-tier support system for special needs education in Saudi Arabia, starting with Manarat Riyadh School. This support program is the first of its kind in the Kingdom and is part of the education sector development under Vision 2030.
The partnership enjoys support from the Saudi Ministry of Investment, as it was celebrated during a recent ceremony attended by Faisal bin Essam Hamza, deputy minister at the ministry, and Dr. Munira Al-Aboudi, director of the education sector.
Maarif believes that all children can thrive to achieve their fullest potential and that some children perform better when introduced to different learning methods that best suit their individual needs. Based on global statistics, it is estimated that about 800,000-1,000,000 students in the Kingdom require special educational needs support.
Maarif aims to create a thriving educational environment that will enrich the lives of thousands of students and their families across the Kingdom through this program. By understanding each student’s individual learning needs and profile, a customized approach will be tailored to accommodate the students through an inclusive educational program, which will give them the needed support through highly qualified academic staff.
“The goal of this initiative is to provide the best possible care to our students, and over time, roll out the program to the rest of the Maarif Education schools, as a proven model for a comprehensive education system that doesn’t leave any child behind,” said Maarif Education’s CEO.
ACCEL International is serving more than 200 students with developmental disabilities at the Saudi Aramco-supported Ajyal Center for Comprehensive Education and Life Skills in Dhahran.
The inclusive educational program will provide intervention and support for speech, language, communication requirements, behavioral (emotional and social), dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, moderate learning difficulties, severe and multiple learning difficulties, and multi-sensory impairment.
In addition, Maarif has plans to include an early education intervention program to ensure that younger children get started on the right foot.
“With a global average of 10-15 percent of students requiring special support in the classroom, a comprehensive education system cannot be complete without this as a focal point,” said ACCEL CEO. “Our vision of providing this service and expanding on Maarif’s education sector position demonstrates our dedication to excellence, innovation, and community involvement.”
