SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The partnership between NLCS (Singapore) and the Wheelchair Rugby Association Singapore began through the initiative of an NLCS (Singapore) student who, after becoming involved with the association, learned that WRAS was at risk of losing access to its long-standing training venue. Recognising the significance of the programme and the impact it has on its athletes, the student brought a detailed proposal to senior staff, advocating for meaningful, long-term support.
That proposal led to a formal partnership in which NLCS (Singapore) committed both sustained sponsorship and access to its sporting facilities, enabling WRAS athletes to practise, and host matches in a stable and supportive environment. The partnership reflects the school's belief in student leadership and in education that extends beyond the classroom.
WRAS has since continued to grow as a competitive and inclusive sporting community, providing athletes with opportunities to train at a high level while fostering resilience, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging.
"Wheelchair rugby fosters community inclusion and belonging by providing a structured, supportive environment where individuals with disabilities can participate in a demanding team sport," said Clare, Secretary and Volunteer at the Wheelchair Rugby Association Singapore.
The strength of this partnership was evident at a recent ceremony, where WRAS athletes were presented with their national jerseys ahead of their participation in the ASEAN Para Games. The event was a moving occasion, celebrating not only sporting excellence but also the collective effort behind the athletes' journey.
Paul Friend, Director of NLCS (Singapore), attended the ceremony and reflected on the relationship between the school and WRAS:
"This partnership began because one of our students saw something important at risk and was determined to act. What followed was a thoughtful, well-argued case for how we could help in a way that really mattered. Supporting WRAS has been immensely rewarding, not just because of what it enables for the athletes, but because of what our own students learn through being connected with such inspiring people. It is a relationship from which we have all benefited."
NLCS (Singapore) looks forward to continuing its partnership with WRAS and to supporting the athletes as they compete on the regional stage, while remaining committed to student-led initiatives that create meaningful impact beyond the school community.
About North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
Founded in August 2020, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is a British International School offering the academically ambitious NLCS curriculum, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and culminating in the IB Diploma Programme.
Drawing on 175 years of educational heritage from its founding school in the UK, NLCS (Singapore) nurtures individuals to be intellectually curious, socially confident, and grounded in compassion through a rigorous academic framework, rich co-curricular opportunities, and exceptional pastoral care.
Situated on Depot Road, the School is part of a global family of schools committed to educational excellence and developing global citizens.
To learn more about NLCS (Singapore), please visit our website (https://nlcssingapore.sg/) and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
For media enquiries, please contact the NLCS (Singapore) Marketing Team
Email: marketing@nlcssingapore.sg
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
North London Collegiate School (Singapore) celebrates the Wheelchair Rugby Association Singapore (WRAS) athletes participating in the upcoming ASEAN Para Games
— Launch Event in Brussels Will Be Live-Streamed Worldwide —
TOKYO, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The transformative power of education in replacing fear with knowledge and prejudice with empathy lies at the heart of the Global Appeal 2026 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy.
The appeal will be launched at a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, 29 January 2026. The event is being co-hosted by Education International and the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative, in partnership with the Damien Foundation.
Since its establishment by the Initiative in 2006, the Global Appeal has been an annual call to action, aiming to mobilize different sectors of society—ranging from religious leaders and Nobel laureates to nurses and legal professionals—to sign a collective pledge to eliminate the social barriers surrounding leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease.
Although leprosy is often perceived as a disease of the past, it remains a health and human rights issue. In 2024, 172,717 new cases were reported from 133 countries. Millions of people worldwide live with leprosy-related disabilities, a reality that continues to fuel stigma and discrimination.
Addressing the misconceptions that perpetuate this injustice requires the transformative power of education. This is the message that Education International delivers through the Global Appeal 2026. As the global voice of teachers and education workers, Education International pledges to use its collective voice to promote knowledge, empathy and action, working toward a society in which the dignity of all individuals is upheld.
The launch event, which will be live-streamed worldwide, will bring together persons affected by leprosy, educators, policymakers, healthcare professionals, education unions, and civil society organizations, to reaffirm their shared commitment to dignity, inclusion and the principle of leaving no one behind.
The event will feature testimonials from persons affected by leprosy from Brazil, India, Indonesia and Senegal whose stories highlight the persistence of stigma even after medical cure. There will also be a panel discussion and a multi-stakeholder dialogue.
On the morning of the event, a delegation of persons affected by leprosy and participating stakeholders shall be received in audience by Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians.
Time: 13:30 – 18:30 (CET)
Program: https://sasakawaleprosyinitiative.org/latest-updates/initiative-news/6359/
Streaming URL: https://eur.cvent.me/vvlkdx
About leprosy
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. In 2024, 172,717 new cases were reported worldwide. Although leprosy is curable, delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in permanent disability. Beyond the physical toll, many people who have experienced leprosy continue to face deep-seated stigma and systemic discrimination, which prevents them from participating fully in society.
About Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative
The Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative is a strategic alliance of WHO Goodwill Ambassador Yohei Sasakawa, the Sasakawa Health Foundation, and The Nippon Foundation for achieving a world without leprosy and problems related to the disease. Since 1975, the Initiative has contributed over US$200 million to support national leprosy programs through the WHO. It is also committed to empowering persons affected by leprosy and their organizations. The Initiative has played a key role in raising leprosy as a human rights issue at the UN, resulting in several resolutions to eliminate discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their families.
About Education International
Education International is the Global Union Federation that brings together organizations of teachers and other education employees from across the world. Through our 375 member organizations, we represent more than 33 million teachers and education support personnel in 180 countries and territories.
About Damien Foundation
Damien Foundation is a Belgian medical non-profit organization that works to support people with tuberculosis and skin-related neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy and leishmaniasis.
For over 60 years, we have shared this expertise in the area of public health by building solid partnerships wherever we go, to support vulnerable populations and help advance research.
We work to strengthen healthcare systems in support of, and at the request of, the national authorities of 13 countries.
Our mission is to provide equal access to robust health services throughout the world including Belgium, ensuring that no one suffers or dies from diseases that can be prevented and cured.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Global Appeal 2026: Education as the Key to Ending Leprosy Stigma and Discrimination
