Innovative Practice 2020 on Inclusive Education and ICT
A multifaceted approach towards inclusive pre-primary and primary schools
| Name of Innovative Practice: | KASALI – No one left behind |
|---|---|
| Organisation: | Save the Children Philippines |
| Country of Implementation | Philippines/ Metro Manila |
| Start Year | 2014 |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
Children with disabilities in the Philippines are often left marginalized due to social stigma, with many schools unprepared to support their learning, and many children never enrolling.
SOLUTION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
KASALI worked with local governments and schools to identify the current situation of children with disabilities in Parañaque, Taguig, and Pateros – three cities in the metropolitan area of Manila. Based on that expertise, KASALI facilitated the enrolment of 739 children aged 3–12 in general education classrooms (276) and in special education centres (351), while 42 were enrolled in day-care centres. It also provided training on Inclusive Education to teachers, parents, school heads, other education personnel, allied health professionals and peers, and local government bodies.
Results show that the children have improved their cognitive skills through participation in school activities and have learned to trust their teachers and peers.
In addition, KASALI has developed a training manual that builds the capacity of principals and teachers, and it provides parental support services.
In 2017, KASALI’s approach to supporting teachers, school heads, and education officials was adopted by the Department of Education.
Assessing the skills and needs of people with disabilities.
FUNDING, OUTLOOK AND TRANSFERABILITY
The initial budget to set up operations was $1.7 million, funded by the IKEA Foundation. As of 2019, the KASALI budget is $260,000, covered by Save the Children.
KASALI’s engagement at the national level resulted in a memorandum of understanding on Inclusive Education for children with disabilities as part of the Council for the Welfare of Children’s National Strategic Plan on Children with Disabilities. The agreement outlines roles and responsibilities among the national government agencies, including initial steps towards better programme integration for children and youth with disabilities.
The Department of Education has adopted and used KASALI-developed materials, such as those used in teacher training, on a national scale. Moreover, from 2019 onwards, KASALI advocates for a national policy focusing on the education for learners with disabilities.
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