IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL AND LIFE OPPORTUNITIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN THE RURAL AND SEMI-ARID AREAS OF MBITA CONSTITUENCY IN KENYA

Implementation period: 2017-2018

Status: Closed

Overall objective

The main aim of the project is to improve the educational and life opportunities of children with disabilities attending schools with special units in the rural and semi-arid areas of Gembe, Rusinga, and Mfangano Island in Mbita Constituency in Kenya.

Specific Objective

1. To get an in-depth knowledge about the living conditions, educational and social challenges and opportunities of children with disabilities.
2. To increase access to knowledge on inclusive education to teachers working in Mbita.
3. To create a network of experts in inclusive education.
4. To increase access to school infrastructure adapted to the needs of children with disabilities
5. To develop inclusive education methodologies and knowledge among primary schools teachers. 
6. To increase knowledge, change attitudes and practices among parents of children with disabilities. To assist parents through parents support groups.
7. To increase knowledge about disability and initiate change in attitudes towards inclusive education among local communities representatives and authorities.
8. To increase knowledge and change attitudes towards children with disabilities among pupils attending schools with special units.

Main actions

1. Research about life and educational situation of children with disabilities in Mbita Constituency.
2. Creation, publishing and distribution of a handbook on methods and tools of inclusive education among teachers.
3. A training of trainers and coaching of special education teachers who would form a network of experts
4. Methodology and tools testing during pilot trainings conducted by inclusive education network of experts.
5. Construction of new classrooms in 4 schools with special units.
6. Renovation and adaptation of 11 schools with special units, furnishing of all special unit with adequate furniture
7. Provision of new educational materials adapted to the needs and capabilities of children with disabilities.
8. Inclusive education training for 120 teachers from 11 schools with special units.
9. Post-training coaching for teachers – classroom observation, individual support and reflective meetings.
10. Seminars on education, health, protection and children rights for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.
11. Formation of support groups for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities  
12. Inclusive education promotion through households visits, educational campaigns, family picnics
13. Workshops about disability, tolerance and discrimination prevention for about 3,850 pupils from 11 primary schools.
14. Eye clinic for students, teachers, parent and community members