Nearly 240 million children in the world today have some form of disability. They are often denied an education because they are the most vulnerable and excluded people in their communities.
Children with disabilities are 49% more likely to have never attended school. Even if they attend school, they are more likely to drop out early while the level of schooling they receive is frequently below that of their peers.
Children with disabilities are often unable to go to school because of unsuitable school buildings. There may also be limited understanding within communities and among teachers about their learning needs, which is often fuelled by prejudices around disability.
The world is failing girls with disabilities. Girls with disabilities experience greater exclusion and injustices as a result of their disability and gender, locking them out of classrooms, opportunities and choice.
We won’t accept that. Plan International stands beside girls with disabilities as they demand their right to learn, lead and shape their futures.
Providing girls with quality education that meets their needs can play a fundamental role in addressing the root causes of the discrimination they face.
“Gender equality and quality education for all cannot be achieved without making schools and educational institutions inclusive.”
Laxmi shares her thoughts on the next steps to building an inclusive, quality and gender transformative education system.
Plan International is committed to ensuring that every child completes a quality, inclusive education without discrimination or exclusion.
In the last 5 years, our inclusive education programme has supported children with disabilities in 40 countries. We help children with disabilities access primary and secondary schools that meet their needs. We also provide specialised physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and skills training to help children get good jobs or create their own businesses.
Racheal’s activism has led her all the way to the Human Rights Council to represent girls with disabilities and give them a political voice.
