Inclusion is at the core of UNICEF’s mission to realize the rights of all children, while inclusive education is central to the progress that UNICEF seeks to make for children with disabilities. Outcome 5 of the UNICEF Strategic Plan (Global Strategic Plan, 2014-2017) aimed to achieve “improved learning outcomes and equitable and inclusive education” by supporting governments to strengthen education systems to include all children, particularly children with disabilities. Strategic Plan 2014-2017 stipulated targets and indicators to track inclusion and effort to extend education opportunity to children with disabilities. Since then inclusive education has gained more prominence as a key element of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Since 2013/2014, UNICEF has worked through Mercy Corps, an implementing partner, to improve accessibility through the construction of ramps, refurbishing and equipping Resource Rooms, providing children with disabilities (CWDs) with rehabilitation sessions, mobility and assistive devices and providing assistive devices. To improve the quality of education available to children with disabilities, UNICEF has trained teachers, including Resource Room teachers, on the delivery of inclusive education services, and deployed Shadow teachers (Assistant Teachers) inside the schools. To increase demand for education, UNICEF has raised the awareness of parents and the surrounding community on the importance of inclusive education and the integration of CWDs in school.
These services include the following:
a. Improving accessibility
b. Teacher training
c. Available resources and material
d. Awareness raising for students, parents and the surrounding community
e. Rehabilitation sessions and assistive devices
f. Referrals and tracking
Year Published | |
Type | |
Joint | No |
Partner/s | N/A |
Consultant name | |
Agency Focal Point | Gabrielle Tremblay |
Focal Point Email | gtremblay@unicef.org |
Managed by Independent Evaluation Office | No |
Geographic Scope | Country |
Country/ies |