By Jamie Biel C. Perez
On October 12, 2025, Far Eastern Private School Al Shahba and its sister schools participated in the White Cane March to empower individuals with visual impairments.
In honor of International White Cane Day, annually celebrated on October 15, the Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired (EAVI) and the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) arranged an event to empower people with visual impairments, increase accessibility, and increase awareness, core visions of the EAVI. This year they chose a march, a reminder of what the white cane helps people do every day.
As part of a coordinated effort to promote inclusivity, the walk began at the designated starting point (Al Qahwa Al Shaabiyah) at 4:30 PM and continued to the Sharjah Buhaira Corniche, with students sporting white balloons, a reminder of the white cane. This year’s theme, “Every Step with Confidence for Safe Accessibility,” acted as a guide to those taking part.
Students, teachers, and members of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) were proud representatives from FEPS Al Shahba. The dedicated FEPSians actively supported awareness and inclusivity with every step taken under the arduous heat. They demonstrated the school’s core values of respect, empathy, and diversity.
The event, which was centered on the white cane, displayed the pivotal nature of the object, as it acts as a representative of liberty, self-assurance, and the freedom to navigate life without obstacles. Instead of making accessibility an afterthought, it continues to push for a society where it is a standard implemented globally.
The event’s success demonstrated the powerful influence of partnership across government agencies or organizations and schools that are responsible for the future of our nation and also served as an undisputed testament to the UAE’s principles and their goal in creating a nation where everyone flourishes.
As the official day of celebration nears, it is crucial that students, teachers, and all members of the community continue to show their support for real change and development that serves not just the visually impaired but all minorities in the nation.
Continue to empower, to encourage, and to embolden these efforts.
Contributed Photos: Provided by Caleb Gayle Leone and Ron Miguel Castro