Back-to-school 2019 - 32 million children with disabilities will not return to school this year Français
MONTREAL, Aug. 26, 2019 /CNW/ - In many parts of the world, it is the start of the new school year. Yet, in 2019, more than 32 million children with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries were denied access to school. Children with disabilities are the most marginalized and the first to be excluded from the education system.
Access to education around the world
There are some 264 million children and adolescents out of school worldwide and, as things stand, we will not achieve the goal to provide quality and inclusive education for all by 2030 – unless we urgently accelerate progress for the furthest behind groups. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), more than 32 million children with disabilities are out of school and have no access to education.
Factors limiting access to education for children with disabilities
- At the local and community level, many parents and community members, who are not sufficiently informed or made aware of issues faced by people with disabilities, have negative and stigmatising attitudes (including those related to traditional beliefs and practices towards children and people with disabilities.)
- In schools, teaching practices are not sufficiently adapted to the needs of some children with disabilities.
- The school environment is often difficult to access and teaching and learning materials are poorly adapted.
- We note a lack of inclusive education policies at a national and local level.
HI and inclusive education
HI has been working in the field of education since 1998 and in the inclusive education sector since 2004. Its work focuses particularly on children with disabilities - the most vulnerable and excluded young learners in the world, in low-income countries and in development and emergency contexts. HI aims to strengthen the enrolment of children and young adults with disabilities in school, as part of an inclusive approach.
HI implements projects in 31 countries in West, Central, North and East Africa, the Middle East and Asia and has just launched a #school4all fundraising campaign to benefit the schooling of disabled children. It is possible to arrange interviews with our experts in the field.
About Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
Humanity & Inclusion is an independent international solidarity association, which has been working for 35 years in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside disabled and vulnerable people, it acts and testifies to meet their basic needs and improve their living conditions. It is committed to promoting respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.
SOURCE Humanity & Inclusion Canada
Press contact, Jérôme Bobin, T. 514 908-2813, M. [email protected]
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