In a recent episode of Shark Tank Egypt, the spotlight fell on Cippo, a project aimed at providing educational support for children with special needs. The initiative centers on offering shadow teachers, professionals who work one-on-one with children to facilitate their integration into classrooms.

Cippo also provides therapy sessions, workshops, and parent consultations, pitching itself as a comprehensive solution for families. While the idea of shadow teachers is not new, the pitch’s focus on affordability—or lack thereof—quickly became a point of contention online.

Cippo introduced a model where parents bear the responsibility of hiring shadow teachers, costing anywhere between 12,000 and 24,000 EGP per month, in addition to regular school fees. For many Egyptian families, this is simply untenable.

What started as an opportunity to highlight the challenges of special needs education turned into an outcry, with many accusing the show of promoting a profit-driven approach rather than addressing systemic issues.

A Noble Idea or a Pricey Burden?

Cippo’s vision—to integrate children with special needs into mainstream education—undoubtedly stems from a noble place. Shadow teachers can indeed be life-changing, helping children overcome barriers and participate fully in school life. Shadow teachers typically support children by ensuring they can keep up with their peers academically, socially, and emotionally, which is especially critical in inclusive education environments.

However, the model showcased on Shark Tank Egypt sheds light on a troubling reality: such services remain out of reach for the majority of families.

Many parents watching the episode expressed their frustration online, pointing out that the show’s tone seemed to normalize these costs rather than challenge them.

A particularly poignant critique came from a parent of a special needs child, @littlefighterlaylal, who wrote,

“Instead of raising awareness and pushing schools to adopt inclusive measures, the show promoted an expensive service, making it the parent’s sole responsibility to bear these costs.”

Inclusion Shouldn’t Be a Privilege

As someone who appreciates the value of Cippo’s mission, I fully stand with the idea of providing children with the tools they need to thrive. Shadow teachers can play a transformative role in a child’s education and overall development.

However, the notion that inclusion must come at such a steep cost is unacceptable. This shouldn’t be the system. Access to education and support for children with special needs should be a right, not a luxury reserved for those who can afford it.

Instead of relying on expensive private services, the focus should be on creating inclusive school environments. This includes funding public schools, training teachers to handle diverse needs, and offering affordable—or ideally free—shadow teaching services.

Cippo’s mission is commendable, but its high-cost model points to a broader problem: the privatization of inclusion. This approach not only excludes the majority of families but also shifts the burden of accessibility away from schools and onto parents, which is neither sustainable nor fair.

The Systemic Issue

This controversy isn’t just about Cippo; it’s about the broader state of special needs education in Egypt. Schools often lack the infrastructure, training, and awareness needed to accommodate children with special needs. This forces parents to turn to private solutions, like shadow teachers, therapy centers, and specialized programs—many of which come with exorbitant price tags.

While Cippo seeks to address this gap, its approach inadvertently reinforces a privatized, pay-to-play model of inclusion rather than advocating for systemic change. Successful inclusion initiatives in other countries often focus on building capacity within public schools by offering teacher training, funding for inclusive programs, and resources to support children with special needs without additional costs to families. Egypt’s approach could greatly benefit from such models.

The Role of Shark Tank

As a platform, Shark Tank Egypt carries significant cultural weight. It introduces viewers to innovative ideas and shines a spotlight on budding entrepreneurs. But with this influence comes responsibility.

In featuring Cippo, the show could have used its platform to raise awareness about the challenges families with special needs face and advocate for inclusive policies in schools.

For example, it could have invited experts in special needs education or policymakers to discuss the systemic barriers to inclusion. Instead, critics argue, the episode came across as commercializing these challenges, portraying Cippo as a business opportunity rather than a potential catalyst for change.

A Call for Inclusion

The backlash against Cippo and Shark Tank Egypt is a reminder of the urgent need for reforms in how Egypt approaches special needs education. Inclusion should not be a luxury reserved for those who can afford it.

Instead of normalizing high costs, stakeholders—educators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers—must work together to make resources like shadow teachers accessible and affordable.

Public schools, in particular, should be empowered with funding, training, and support to integrate children with diverse needs.

Cippo’s vision has potential, but its execution must be critically examined. If inclusion is truly the goal, the conversation should shift from individual responsibility to collective reform. For instance, government incentives or subsidies could encourage schools to hire shadow teachers or create inclusive programs within existing frameworks.

After all, the right to education is not a privilege—it’s a fundamental human right. It’s time for all of us to push for a more equitable system where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their financial background.