Beech Hall Riyadh: Pioneering Inclusion for Vision 2030

Where It All Began:

For years, I had witnessed the struggles and barriers faced by students with determinations in clinical-special educational settings. They were often segregated, their unique needs overlooked, and their potential underestimated. They were always isolated from what I like to call (real life) environments with neurotypical children, and this limited their abilities to develop, grow, and interact with the mainstream community. Despite our continuous, unwavering efforts to equip them with the necessary skills and enable their application in their natural environments, it has sadly become an impossible task. The issue lies in the fact that the skills are not being directly applied and integrated into reality. Instead, we simply provide them with the methods of application, only to then leave them to their own in their environments - tasked with retrieving what they have learned and attempting to apply it, as if they were just homework assignments.

I knew all along that this was not the right approach to integrating the students with determinations into society. And what has further strengthened my belief in the existence of a better approach is the fact that one of the key goals of the ambitious Vision 2030 is to create inclusive educational environments for all, which brings a transformative shift in the way we approach education and ensure the inclusion of students with determinations. Beech Hall School has boldly stepped up to lead the charge in realizing this vision.

Discovering Beech Hall: A New Era of Inclusion

When I first stepped foot on the Beech Hall campus, I was struck by the school's vision and approach towards creating inclusive educational environments for all. Their aim is to build a sense of belonging and acceptance for every student regardless of their abilities or needs and to foster a community that encourages each student to support and learn from one another. They have reinforced this by carefully attending to every detail, starting from the classrooms, which were designed with universal accessibility and the latest educational technology in mind to cater to the diverse needs of each individual. Specialized equipment, adapted curricula, and a team of dedicated educators work in harmony to create an environment where every child can thrive.

Beech Hall's Miracles: Stories of Change

The true testament to the inclusive educational environment's success, however, lies in the transformative stories of Beech Hall's students themselves. I remember a young boy in KG3 who had been diagnosed with autism and had struggled to find his place in mainstream schools. At Beech Hall, he blossomed, his unique talents and strengths celebrated by his peers and teachers. Despite his autism diagnosis, he had an exceptional academic ability, demonstrating a reading level far beyond his peers. I watched in awe as he participated for the first time in the school's graduation ceremony, with the support of his dedicated Learning Support Assistant. He was performing on stage for the first time in his life! This was an opportunity he would not have had if Beech Hall had not opened its doors and embraced the Saudi 2030 vision for inclusive education. We are still in the year 2024, and Beech Hall has already made significant strides in realizing the goals of the 2030 vision.

Another profoundly inspiring success story I will cherish forever is that of the student who had struggled with a severe speech delay. His only means of expressing himself were heartbreaking cries and gestures. However, after joining our school and receiving dedicated speech and language therapy, a remarkable transformation unfolded. Gradually, he began to speak simple words, his voice finding its strength. And now, this very same student confidently forms clear sentences, his eyes shining with the joy of being heard.

This extraordinary progress would not have been possible without the nurturing, inclusive environment he found here. In this space that celebrated his unique needs, he learned the necessary skills and was empowered to apply them directly in his daily life. This is the true power of inclusive, compassionate education—to unlock the boundless potential in every child, no matter the challenges they face. It is a story that fills me with overwhelming pride and conviction in the transformative impact of building communities that leave no one behind.

These are just a few of the countless stories that have unfolded within the walls of Beech Hall School. Each one is a testament to the power of inclusive education, shattering the misconceptions and breaking down the barriers that have long plagued the education system.

Shaping Futures: Beech Hall's Inspiring Impact

As I reflect on the journey of Beech Hall School, I am filled with a sense of profound hope and optimism. This institution has not only transformed the lives of its students but has also paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for education in Saudi Arabia. It is a shining example of what can be achieved when we embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and commit ourselves to the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Beech Hall School's remarkable achievements are a testament to the transformative power of the Saudi Vision 2030.

I am honored to be a part of this journey, to witness the remarkable strides made by Beech Hall School, and to share this inspirational story with the world. Let this be a rallying cry for all educational institutions to follow suit, to embrace the power of inclusive education, and to create a future where no child is left behind. In doing so, we can collectively work towards the realization of Vision 2030, a future where every learner is empowered to reach their full potential.

Written by Tharaa Alhewilly, Lead LSAs Coordinator / Lead Mawhiba Program Coordinator