Education
Ministry of Education and the British Council has held a policy dialogue on inclusive education to address the challenges of building high quality and inclusive schools that empower all students to reach their full potential.
In the three-day event themed leading inclusion and belonging in schools discourse, key areas including inclusive education for students with special educational needs and disabilities, advancing gender equality, and overcoming language barriers in the classroom were discussed.
State Department of Basic Education, Ministry of Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang said that the country has invested in education subsectors by channeling 25 percent of its resources and infrastructures to schools that handle children with special need.
Speaking on Tuesday at the event, the PS added that top up capitations are given to secondary schools worth Sh 37,000 for every learner with special needs while primary schools get Sh 2,300 and grants that cater for staff who work for the children in school environment.
He noted that there are about 240 million children with disabilities worldwide who have ambitions and dreams for their future and need quality education to develop their skills and realize their full potential. The PS said that the children face persistent barriers to education stemming from discrimination, stigma and the routine failure of decision makers to incorporate disability in school services.
“In most cases, a student’s sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrolment, and is protective for mental health hence the need for us to create an environment in our learning institutions, that make the learners feel accepted and regarded,” he said.
Dr. Kipsang noted that the country has taken every measure and effort to provide equitable access to quality education for all students including those with disabilities and marginalized, leading to a significant stride towards inclusive education by enrolling 100 percent of children in primary and secondary schools.
State Department of Basic Education, Ministry of Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang speaking during policy dialogue, leading inclusion and belonging in schools held at Radisson Blu, Nairobi on Tuesday October15, 2024.
“Enrolment rates for children with disabilities in special needs schools and those from ASAL areas has risen significantly,” he stated, adding that the ministry is also ensuring that learners with special needs are participating fully in co-curricular activities. The PS highlighted the number of policies that aim to promote inclusive education including the implementation of Free Primary Education and Free Day Secondary Education initiatives that ensure all children access education.
“As a show of commitment, Kenya is signatory to international instruments for the promotion of education for all such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said the PS. Additionally, he said that despite the efforts and progress made, the country is still facing substantial challenges including inadequate infrastructure, low retention rates in marginalized areas shortage of trained teachers and societal stigma.
Dr. Kipsang has call upon partners to work together in seeking intervention and addressing some of the challenges while the Government and the Ministry of Education continue to put efforts to surmount the challenges. “We need to train more teachers and equip them with the necessary skills and engaged the local communities in order to create awareness programs that aim to reduce stigma and promote acceptance.
At the same time, he noted that adequate resources are required to improve facilities and support services for inclusive education and applauded the British Council for organizing the dialogue and the collective implementation of education programs.
Making his remarks, Country Director, British Council Kenya Tom Porter said that the British council needs to explore on ways to foster the sense of belonging and inclusion since their support focus on peace and prosperity in building connections, understanding, and trust between the United Kingdom and countries worldwide through education such as arts, culture, language and creativity that shapes the future.
“We have a strong range of activities in Kenya and a robust digital skills programme that helps people to acquire skills online and explore creative opportunities,” he said, adding that they are working with many partners, including the Ministry of Education.
He announced that next year, the British council will focus on learners and workers assessment by preparing them for new opportunities and contribute to making the world a better place through their diverse experience for a positive change not only for inclusion but also better decisions and outcomes.