Sightsavers Reports

Promoting inclusive education for girls and boys with disabilities in west and central Africa

Girls and boys with disabilities in west and central Africa have the same rights to quality inclusive education as all children. This should enable them to participate actively and meaningfully in learning and society. However, at present, these children are largely excluded from education and learning. Those children with disabilities who do attend school face large ‘disability gaps’ in learning outcomes and attainment due to systemic inequalities, poor quality teaching and governance.

The current global COVID-19 pandemic is compounding inequalities, exclusion and marginalisation, as children with disabilities face major hurdles to home learning and to returning to schools as they reopen. Changes to infrastructure as a result of the pandemic, curriculum modifications to accommodate catch-up programmes and the enrolment of incoming grade 1 students all put education systems under intense pressure – with negative consequences for equity.

Saio, who has a physical disability, sits in her classroom in Sierra Leone.
Type
Policy Briefing
Theme
Inclusive education
Date published
01/11/2020
Journal
N/A
Language
English
Relevant links
Read the policy brief summary (English)
Read the policy brief summary (French)
Read the policy brief (English)
Read the policy brief (French)
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