Children use sign language at a school in Rwanda. Credit: Global Partnership for Education/Sarah Beeching
How can we ensure that all children grow up free from poverty and able to fulfil their potential in a world that is tolerant of all our differences, and fair and equal in the opportunities it gives to everyone, regardless of disability, gender, ethnicity, wealth or place? Answer: Education for all. That’s why the replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education is so crucial, and why your action matters.
THE ISSUE
Education is a human right, yet it is one still denied to too many children around the world. Put simply, 126 million children are being left behind, denied the opportunity to fulfil their potential and take their place in their communities and societies. These marginalised children are the poorest, girls, those living in remote rural areas, informal settlements or in countries in conflict, and they are children with disabilities.
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING LEFT BEHIND
There are an estimated 93 million children with disabilities globally, and in most countries, the Global Campaign for Education argues that they are more likely to be out of school than any other group of children. In Nepal, for instance, it is estimated that 85% of all children out of school are disabled. In Ethiopia, fewer than 3% of disabled children have access to primary education.
The exclusion of disabled children not only denies their human right to education, but makes it impossible for the world to reach the Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education. 57 million children of primary school age are still out of school and it is estimated that children with disabilities make up over a third of this total. Lack of understanding, negative attitudes and discrimination towards disability are major challenges. Children with disabilities are frequently marginalized from society and remain invisible to communities and decision-makers.
EDUCATION IS THE SOLUTION
Ensuring equal educational opportunity is the most powerful driver of a fairer society and of reducing wider inequalities in society. Ensuring that children with disabilities have access to an inclusive quality education is critical to reverse the cycles of poverty and exclusion they face. It can also tackle discrimination by challenging widely-held attitudes and behaviours – helping us to celebrate and embrace the diversity in our societies.
HOW THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION HELPS
The Global Partnership for Education prioritises the most marginalized children, such as children with disabilities, girls and those in conflict-affected countries. They have helped to get 22 million children in school, including 10 million girls. The Global Partnership strengthens national education systems in the poorest countries so that they have the capacity to deliver quality education for all. The GPE ensure their partner countries consider the needs of children with disabilities. They are working to improve the data on children with disabilities, so that they are no longer invisible and their needs can be properly addressed.
The Global Partnership is also funding projects in many countries to improve education for children with disabilities, including studies of the barriers they face, training of teachers in special needs education, the development of learning materials for children with disabilities, as well as accessible school construction, school transportation, medical support, and advocacy to promote children with disabilities’ right to education.
TAKE ACTION
If the Global Partnership for Education is fully-funded at its replenishment in June, they will be able to support 29 million children to get a good education over the next four years, and they will ensure more of their developing country partners prioritise the needs of children with disabilities. That’s why it is so vital that the UK Government continues its strong support for the Global Partnership for Education. Take action now by clicking on the button above and tell UK Ministers just how important this is!