O
BJECTIVES
/G
OALS
To support the Government of Namibia to implement the Inclusive Education Policy towards quality inclusive, teaching
and learning environments in Namibia and to improve access to quality education for all learners with disabilities in
Namibia.
K
EY
F
EATURES
(W
ITH
A
DDITIONS FROM THE
Z
ERO
P
ROJECT
T
EAM
)
UNICEF’s This Ability Programme on Inclusive Education is to be classified as
international non-legally binding policy
that work towards three overarching results:
1.
Expand access to and provision of quality education for all children with disabilities in Namibia by developing
good inclusive practices and by institutional change: all schools and other educational settings review their
policies and practices. UNICEF supported the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC) with technical
advice for policy development: Support comes within the National Development Plan (2012-2017) to achieve
the goals set out for education. In 2013, the Sector Policy on Inclusive Education was published with UNICEF’s
support. Meanwhile the Ministry is in charge of financing and implementing the policy, UNICEF will provide
technical assistance and monitor the implementation. MoEAC has conducted sensitization meetings at regional
level to inform the regional education teams about the policy and the importance of implementation and
monitoring. UNICEF is currently providing technical support to the review of the Education Act of 2001 with a
focus on ensuring an enabling environment for inclusive education.
2.
Establish therapeutic and protective support mechanisms for all children with disabilities at community level by
working with all stakeholders in an educational setting (parents, caregivers, educators, school staff, and school
board members, etc.) for the establishment of community based care and support structures and by raising
awareness with a multimedia advocacy and awareness campaign. UNICEF continued to advocate for increased
recognition and programming to promote inclusive education and special attention to children and learners
with disabilities, to strengthen the response within Government to ensure Government ownership for
sustainable programme implementation, and to inspire and mobilize others to work together towards the
realization of equitable results for children with disabilities.
3.
At least 40% of teaching staff are able to implement Inclusive Education practices in schools by the end of 2017
by ensuring that every school has access to resources such as specialist support for addressing learning,
language or behaviour needs, and that teachers understand the learner’s learning strategies and functioning.
UNICEF maintains strategic partnerships with NGOs in Namibia and with bi-lateral agencies, and out teacher
training, with the help of DPOs. It is working with Government to establish best practise for scaling up since
currently no models are in place.
I
NNOVATION
UNICEF’s This Ability Programme on Inclusive Education is innovative in that it has already laid the groundwork - in
cooperation with the Ministry – for the mainstreaming of inclusive education into Namibia’s legislation and education