Gone are the days when children with special needs were ignored, separated and left to rue their disabilities.
This was highlighted by the Education Minister Doctor Mahendra Reddy while speaking at the Observance of World Autism Awareness Day at Nadi Special School.
He says that today, Fiji is building on the strengths of children with autism and uplifting them to take ownership and become key contributors to nation building, peace and prosperity.
The Education Minister reiterated that Autism exists in all regions across the globe and Fiji is no exception.
He adds that Special and Inclusive education has been vital component of the current Fijian Educational Movement.
Reddy says that this observance has been set aside to bring together all Autism organizations and service providers to raise awareness on the millions of people around the world who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and seeking support because they have autism.
He says that the focus all over the world and in Fiji is the drive to provide equitable educational opportunities for all, including people with special needs and people with disabilities.
The Education Minister encourages all parents to enroll their children in schools as in Fiji.
Reddy also stresses that sending children to school helps them to learn skills, interact with their peers and gradually help them to manage their conditions better.
He also revealed that the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts wants to eliminate any gap in education and administer quality education is accessible by all, including the people with disabilities.
Reddy urges people to treat the condition of Autism seriously and make all efforts to enrich others with information on the condition.
He says that Fiji has to unite to support our children to become independent, independent and contribute towards nation building.
