Putrajaya, Malaysia, 21–27 June 2026 – The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Early Childhood Care, Education and Parenting (SEAMEO CECCEP) participated in the Regional Training on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Resources for Teachers of Learners with Disabilities, organized by the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN) in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The Centre was represented by Assila Prianggi, Head of Research and Development at SEAMEO CECCEP, and Tiara Delia Madyani, Capacity Building Officer at SEAMEO CECCEP, who joined educators, researchers, policymakers, and inclusive education practitioners from across Southeast Asia to strengthen regional capacity in delivering inclusive, rights-based sexuality education.
The regional training served as a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices in developing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse learning needs of children with disabilities. Participants explored strategies for equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive learning environments.
Throughout the training, participants discussed the persistent challenges in implementing sexuality education for learners with disabilities, including limited teacher preparedness, insufficient learning resources, and the need for instructional approaches tailored to individual developmental and communication needs. The discussions highlighted that inclusive sexuality education is not solely about reproductive health, but also about promoting children's rights, dignity, safety, self-protection, healthy relationships, and social inclusion.
One of the key sessions featured the "Breaking the Silence" pilot initiative, which demonstrated how structured teacher training could significantly improve educators' confidence in addressing sexuality-related issues among learners with disabilities. The program enabled teachers to create safer classroom environments, recognize signs of abuse or inappropriate behavior, teach concepts of personal boundaries and safe versus unsafe touch, and support children in navigating online safety risks. The initiative also reinforced the important role of teachers as trusted adults who help children feel safe to disclose concerns and seek assistance when needed.
The training further emphasized that effective Comprehensive Sexuality Education requires a holistic ecosystem beyond teacher professional development. Participants agreed that successful implementation depends on strong government commitment, supportive education policies, inclusive curricula, active family engagement, collaboration with disability organizations, and safe learning environments where every child can participate meaningfully.
Another important discussion focused on ensuring accessibility, participation, and partnership throughout the design and implementation of CSE programs. Participants stressed that learners with disabilities and organizations representing persons with disabilities should be actively involved in developing educational materials and policies to ensure they reflect diverse needs and lived experiences.
During the interactive question-and-answer sessions, participants exchanged practical strategies for supporting learners with hearing impairments, developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), strengthening collaboration with parents, utilizing sign language and visual learning materials, and partnering with child protection agencies and disability organizations. These discussions reinforced the importance of adapting teaching approaches while maintaining consistent messages between schools and families.
SEAMEO CECCEP viewed the regional training as a valuable opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration and expand institutional knowledge on inclusive education. Insights gained from the program will contribute to the Centre's ongoing efforts to develop research, policy recommendations, and learning modules that promote inclusive, child-centered, and evidence-based approaches to early childhood education and parenting across Southeast Asia.
As part of its follow-up actions, SEAMEO CECCEP will integrate the knowledge and recommendations generated from the training into future research initiatives and module development, particularly those reflecting the Centre's expertise in early childhood care, education, parenting, and inclusive learning. Through continued collaboration with SEAMEO Centres and regional partners, SEAMEO CECCEP remains committed to advancing equitable educational opportunities and ensuring that every child, including learners with disabilities, has access to safe, inclusive, and empowering learning experiences.
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