World Connect

Promoting Inclusive Education for Learners with Disabilities in Zomba Rural

Year: 2019

Country: Malawi

Project Status: Funded

Impact Sector: Education

Project Investment: $747.41

Project Launch: 10-2-19

With this World Connect grant, the Chisomo Group in Zomba, Malawi will construct a classroom access pathway (ramp) and disability friendly toilet at Namatapa Full Primary School. A total of 45 students who previously had trouble accessing the primary school facilities will now have access to the classrooms and disability friendly toilets, thereby improving their access to education. The community group aims to create an environment which is responsive to the diversity of learners. They want to encourage communities to take an active role in promoting inclusive education. The project will act as a model in the zone for other schools to follow.

Final Report:

In a bid to create a more friendly environment for learners with disabilities at Namatapa Primary School in Zomba District, Chisomo Group has completed constructing a disability friend sanitary toilet with a path way attached that accommodates learners on wheelchairs. Additionally, one lamp has been constructed giving children with disabilities easy access to their respective classrooms in a bid to promote inclusive education at the school. A total of 4 students with disabilities and 600 non-disabled students are using the facility reducing the congestion on few existing toilets. The Head Teacher has reported increased class attendance among children with disabilities and reduced distractions as they used to be taken home at break times to access friendly toilets. Acting as a model, the toilet has motivated the School Management Committee which has started constructing a similar toilet using school development funds.