In October, Dr Anne Hollinshead returned to Myanmar for the 20^th time in 8 years. This is part of on-going knowledge transfer and consultancy work focusing on promoting inclusive practice with focus on disability and special needs. Anne works in partnership with a National Association of Myanmar experts ( MSEA) to collaborate with the Myanmar government, Myanmar Universities, NGO’s such as Unesco, Unicef and the British Council.

Anne shared the below with us:

“The part of the work I like best is when we deliver training and advocacy in remote parts of Myanmar – we have been to every state including Rakhine, and worked with over 2,000 individuals including adults and children with disability, teachers, parents, government officials and University staff– after all this time I understand several versions of Myanmar language, although not everyone understands me when I speak it !. October's events were a mixture of training and celebration. There were 200 plus participants at the preconference event in Yangon, which was hosted by the Vice President’s wife, and allowed engagement with both medical and social models of disability. This was followed by the 2^nd National Conference in Naypyidaw, hosted by the Vice President, with talks from myself, the Minister of education, the Minister of Social Welfare, involvement of children with disabilities representing multiple townships and awards made to successful Paralympian’s. A very joyful week alongside some amazing people!”