Solid Roots, Infinite Horizons: Lebanon commemorates 13th National Day

By Daniella Daou

April 17, 2025

On April 10, Lebanon celebrated the 13th annual National Day for Students with Learning Difficulties, a day that has become a powerful symbol of cultural transformation and a milestone for children with learning differences. First launched in 2013, this day began as a call for awareness in a society where children with learning difficulties were often overlooked or misunderstood. Today, it stands as a proud declaration of inclusion, hope, and possibility. 

This year’s theme, “Solid Roots, Infinite Horizons,” perfectly captured the journey. It paid tribute to the deep foundations that have been laid over the past 13 years through advocacy, policy reform, education, and awareness, while casting a bold and collective vision for what lies ahead. 

Hosted at Beirut Annunciation Orthodox College and organized by the SKILD Center in collaboration with the British Council in Lebanon and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the event brought together a diverse community united by a shared mission. The presence of British Ambassador Hamish Cowell, representatives from the office of Lebanon’s First Lady, the Center for Educational Research and Development, school leaders, inclusive business owners, and partner organizations reflected the growing recognition of this national day not only as a celebration, but also as a social movement. 

At the center of it all were the students themselves. With confidence and courage, they took the stage to share their journeys – from once feeling invisible in traditional classrooms to becoming thriving participants in inclusive education programs. Today, many of these students are entering the workforce and giving back to their communities after graduating from SKILD’s IDEAL Program at Notre Dame University. Parents followed with emotional testimonies, revealing the long road of uncertainty, stigma, and struggle – but also the breakthroughs that came with the right support. 

The progress over the last 13 years has not been accidental. Rather, it is the result of sustained, intentional work. In 2013, speaking openly about learning difficulties was still taboo in many Lebanese schools and homes. Misunderstandings were widespread, and few resources existed to support students and their families. Since then, SKILD has played a pivotal role in shifting the cultural narrative. Through school partnerships, teacher training, subsidized assessments and therapy sessions, community outreach, and national advocacy, SKILD has helped move the conversation from exclusion to inclusion, from stigma to strength. 

By engaging the public sector, private schools, civil society, and legislatures, SKILD has become the common denominator – a unifying force that brings together actors from across Lebanon to work toward special needs inclusion. This network of collaboration is one of the strongest “roots” in the journey toward change. And because of it, the “horizons” for students with learning difficulties are expanding faster than ever before. 

While much progress has been made, the mission isn’t over. Awareness remains essential, not only to challenge outdated perceptions, but to ensure that inclusion becomes a lasting, embedded part of Lebanon’s educational and social fabric. National Day is a living reminder that visibility leads to understanding, and understanding opens the door to change. This year’s event was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of how far we’ve come and a collective commitment to keep moving forward. It showed that when students, parents, educators, and leaders stand together, the possibilities are endless. 

“Solid Roots, Infinite Horizons” is a promise rather than just an event theme. The solid roots are the values, partnerships, and hard-won progress that have made inclusive education possible in Lebanon. The infinite horizons are the dreams we now dare to dream: of classrooms where every student is seen and supported, of communities that celebrate diversity, and of a Lebanon where inclusion is no longer the exception, but the norm. 

At its core, the journey toward inclusion is not only a social mission but a deeply spiritual one.  Jesus consistently stood with the vulnerable, the overlooked, and the marginalized, reminding us that every individual, regardless of ability, carries inherent dignity and worth. As His church, we are called to be His hands and feet on earth, building communities where no one is left behind. This responsibility invites us to reflect God’s heart and make space for all learners to flourish. In Lebanon’s growing movement for inclusion, we find not just educational progress, but a glimpse of the Kingdom of God on earth, where each child is seen, valued, and given the chance to thrive. 

As we reflect on 13 years of growth, we also look ahead—with hope, determination, and the unshakable belief that every learner has a place, a purpose, and a future.