Innovative Practice 2020 on Inclusive Education and ICT
Holistic support system from early childhood to vocational training
| Name of Innovative Practice: | Learn for Life |
|---|---|
| Organisation: | Disabled Rehabilitation / Research Association (DRRA) |
| Country of Implementation | Bangladesh/ 18 districts |
| Start Year | 1998 |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
Disability law is in place to support inclusive schooling in Bangladesh, but this does not always mean schools are sufficiently set up to provide an inclusive learning experience.
SOLUTION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
Learn for Life provides a range of support mechanisms to allow children with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy, to advance in the education system. The project supports young people at all stages of schooling, from early childhood intervention starting at age three to supporting inclusion in vocational training up to 25 years. For school-aged children, DRRA provides supplementary learning materials, assistive technology, and financial support, along with support for teachers, parents, and therapists.
The programme works with a range of stakeholders, including local disabled person’s organizations (DPOs), parent groups, and the government, to embed the methods within the schools and the wider community. Local DPOs then assume leadership of the programme and continue the work of DRRA after its support is phased out.
The programme started by supporting 20 schools in one district of Bangladesh between 1998 and 2012. As of 2018, Learn for Life has embedded methods in 120 primary schools and 12 special schools in 19 districts.
Inclusive teaching is supported by a variety of additional learning materials and assistive technology.
FUNDING, OUTLOOK, and TRANSFERABILITY
As of 2019, project costs are approximately €250,000 per year with 90 per cent coming from three international donors Liliane Fonds, CBM and Niketan and 10 per cent through corporate and community funding.
The practice has already proven its replicability within Bangladesh, while elements of the model have also been implemented in India. DRRA is planning to make the resources to replicate this practice available online through e-learning for interested DPOs and parent associations in disability-inclusive formats. DRRA additionally aims to assist in the coordination of Inclusive Education among the country’s various ministries.
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