Inclusive Education in Central Ethiopia Welcomes Children with Disabilities in the Classroom

Children with physical disabilities in Central Ethiopia have been historically denied the right to an education due to significant cultural stigma, discrimination, and lack of resources. Physical disabilities have been seen as a punishment or sign of bad luck for the family. Over the past five years, we’ve worked towards creating an equitable educational environment for all students by focusing on community awareness campaigns and education, teacher training, renovation of resource rooms, and providing assistive equipment to students.

Tsedeke is happy to be in school with his fellow classmates. [Image description: a young Ethiopian boy is sitting in a wheelchair, writing in a notebook]

Last year, we met Tsedeke, a 10-year-old boy with multiple physical disabilities. A local teacher met with his parents, urging them to register him for school. The teacher explained that resources were available at the local school to support his education. Before this, Tsedeke, like many other children with disabilities, was left at home, hidden away from the community. Tsedeke’s parents agreed to register him and were thrilled he would be welcomed at the school and provided the same opportunities as their other children. They were so excited- that his father carried him on his back to bring him to school. 

Tsedeke shared:

“I used to feel hopeless and lonely because I only stayed at home. I was sad all of the time. But now, I can go to school and make new friends. I get a lot of love from my classmates and teachers. I feel happy and more hopeful now.”

Tsedeke was provided a wheelchair, and his brother and friends now take turns pushing him to and from school. His family is happy he is welcome at school, and is with other children his age.

His younger brother, Misgana, shared:

“I used to feel worried about Tsedeke because he was always home and sad. But, now we go to school together, and I’m happy to see my brother in class like other children.”

Tsedeke, his brother Misgana, and fellow classmates are heading to school. [Image description: a small group of children are walking together. A young boy is pushing his brother in the wheelchair]

Today, Tsedeke is in the second grade and enjoys going to school with his friends. One teacher commented he is a clever student with a great sense of humor and strong math skills.

"All of the teachers treat him like he was their child and have visited him at home."

Tsedeke is a student at Giwa School, one of four schools that independently implemented an inclusive education program after visiting and learning from our Inclusive Education Schools. Over the next three years, we are committed to further strengthening and accelerating our Inclusive Education Programs in the communities we serve. 

Tsedeke is at school with his fellow classmates. [Image description: a young boy in a wheelchair sits at the front of the classroom]

There is a lot of support and skills surrounding Tsedeke, his family, and other children with disabilities. Many students, like Tsedeke, are now in school for the first time in their lives, learning, making friends, and getting the education they deserve. Community members are changing their hearts and minds, and now more people are advocating for the rights of children with disabilities. 

Fear has been replaced with compassion. Discrimination has been replaced with advocacy.