Inclusive education in Uganda

In April 2008 we began implementing an inclusive education programme in twenty schools in Budaka and Mukono Districts of Uganda. The three-year programme aims to support 1000 disabled children attend 20 mainstream schools across the two districts. The work is supported by Rotary International Britain and Ireland.
 

Currently 409 children with disabilities have been enrolled and are being supported to access quality basic education. 195 teachers have received capacity building training facilitated by Kyambogo University on special needs and inclusive education methods. The pupils are involved in child-to-child activities, including drama, poetry and music for raising awareness on disability and development issues. Parents are encouraged to come together and discuss the issues affecting their school going children through parents support groups. 226 parents regularly meet to share experiences and develop strategies to campaign for improved service provision for their children. The school environment has been improved and made more accessible through the construction of verandahs on school blocks and ramps to classrooms. Sanitary facilities have been made accessible with the provision of disability friendly toilets. One school, Kikusa Primary School, has a new rain water harvesting system as the children had to travel over 4 km, to the nearest swamp, to collect water. Other schools are being supported by local rotary clubs to improve access to clean water. 
 

The programme team works closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports and Kyambogo University to promote inclusive education. Additionally networking with other NGOs and Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) strengthens the programme.