Inclusive Education
Supporting the young, disabilities in mind,
Is contributing to futures, for all humankind.
A vision of rights and futures to unfold,
It’s our chance to be strong and bold.
Thriving in communities, side by side,
Working together with nothing to hide.
In education, too many are left behind.
We feel excluded, our hopes confined.
Bullied, discriminated, and often alone,
Absent support – we want to be known.
A failing system, we have goals to meet,
But sadly, segregation and fear repeat.
We Need a Future
An education system where all could succeed,
A listening ear is what we need.
No negative stigma – make it fair for all,
A chance to learn, so we stand tall.
It’s desperately needed, the time is now,
A system to help us, we’ll tell you how
The Federal Budget does make a move,
More supports and funding do improve.
It’s not enough though, when inclusion’s missed.
Without a plan, our hope can’t exist.
“What’s Free TAFE if it’s not inclusive?” we plea,
Without accessibility, the future we can’t see.
We deserve a system, one that’s clear,
Where all are welcome, without any fear.
A system that supports, it can help us grow,
Not one that keeps us feeling so low.
CYDA surveys tell the painful truth,
Exclusion, bullying, and a fearful youth.
Higher dropout rates, fewer degrees,
Inclusion’s the answer, we all should agree.
The Higher Education Fund, is a good move,
Transparency’s needed, it must improve
Less than half complete their degree,
It needs to change, for equality.
Our Asks for Change
Let’s build a roadmap, strong and bright,
To end segregation, and remove the fight.
Independent oversight is what we need,
We need it now, we want to succeed.
And an Inclusion Fund for the early years,
Get them dreaming of their future careers.
Federal funding for schools to empower,
Better outcomes for all – give us the power.
Supported pathways to higher education, a must,
We need to know that we can trust.
The Time for Action Is Now
Inclusion truly is positive for all,
Better outcomes help us stand tall.
A National Roadmap will keep us strong,
And help us thrive and belong.
Federal funding is critical to the plan,
To close the gaps we know we can.
End the discrimination and horrid pain,
All we want is a fairer gain.
We are just 10% of a Uni’s class
Raise that number, let’s make it surpass
A lack of inclusion keeps us back,
Together, we can stay on the right track.
A future of education inclusion, where we can thrive.
Investing in young people lets our dreams survive.
Where every student has a valued voice,
Building strong futures – let us all rejoice!
This poem was written as part of CYDA’s 2025 Federal Election Campaign. You can find out more about the campaign here.
About the author:
This poem has been published anonymously.
