The "We Are All With You" Initiative: 6 Pathways to Empower People with Disabilities in Mecca

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In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing human capital across all categories, the Ministry of Education launched the "We Are All With You" initiative today, in a strategic partnership with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites. The launch, attended by the Assistant Minister of Education for Private Education and Investment, Iyad Al-Qaraawi, and with broad participation from governmental and private entities in the Holy City, represents a significant step forward in the mechanisms for supporting and empowering students with disabilities.

Context of the initiative and Vision 2030

This initiative comes within the context of the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom under the umbrella of Vision 2030, specifically within the objectives of the Human Capacity Development Program and the Quality of Life Program. The Kingdom seeks to move from the traditional concept of care for people with disabilities to a comprehensive empowerment approach that guarantees their rights to education, employment, and social inclusion. The initiative gains added significance as it is launched from Mecca, reinforcing the humanitarian and cultural dimension of the holy city as a model for inclusive and disability-friendly cities.

An integrated partnership to serve inclusive education

The launch ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Mayor of Makkah, Musaed Al-Dawood, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed, and the Director General of Education in Makkah, Abdullah bin Saad Al-Ghannam. During the ceremony, Al-Ghannam emphasized that the initiative is not merely a temporary program, but rather a fulfillment of the rights of students with disabilities to equitable empowerment, and a reinforcement of the principle of “inclusive education” adopted by the Ministry to ensure equal opportunities for all.

For his part, Saleh Al-Rasheed praised the level of institutional partnership, noting that the integration between the Royal Commission and the Ministry of Education resulted in a thorough study of the real needs of students, away from theoretical solutions, which ensures a direct and sustainable impact on their daily lives and their professional future.

6 tracks and 20 quality opportunities

The “We Are All With You” initiative is distinguished by its comprehensiveness, as it was launched through six integrated tracks that include twenty quality opportunities covering all aspects of life, which are:

Educational path: To develop academic and cognitive skills.
The health pathway: to provide care and support services.
Technical track: To enable students to use the tools of the digital age.
Career path: To prepare them for the labor market in a way that matches their abilities.
Community path: To promote inclusion and active participation.
The sports track: to support physical and mental health.

Launch of the “Nusk” Fund and Initiative Platform

To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, the ceremony included the launch of the "Nusuk Humanitarian Fund" and the inauguration of the digital platform for the "We Are All With You" initiative. The pivotal role of the "Sanad" City for Special Education was also highlighted, showcasing the advanced rehabilitation and educational services it provides. Success stories and achievements of students with disabilities were presented, demonstrating their ability to be creative and contribute to building the nation when provided with the right environment.

This initiative represents a fundamental building block in building a vibrant and inclusive society, and confirms the commitment of the government sectors in Makkah to unite efforts to serve this precious group, in order to achieve a sustainable humanitarian impact.