Ringing the Bell for Inclusive Education 2024
Every child deserves the chance to learn and play. For over a decade, the ‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign by Liliane Fonds has been making noise to ensure that children with disabilities are not left out of education.
Mobilising Tens of Thousands
The annual We Ring the Bell campaign, linked to the Global Action Week for Education, mobilizes tens of thousands of people to raise awareness about the right to education for all children.
Since its inception, the ‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign has reached countless communities, engaging local leaders and government officials in over 20 countries. By making as much noise as possible, participants highlight the fact that children with disabilities are often excluded from education, even though this is a fundamental human right. It’s a powerful message that cannot be ignored.
Each year, this campaign brings attention to the staggering statistics: over 50% of children with disabilities worldwide are out of school. That’s 96 million children living in low- and middle-income countries missing out on basic education. The situation is even worse for those with severe or multiple disabilities, who are two and a half times more likely not to attend school at all. Children with disabilities in most African countries fare the worst: only 10% of them attend school.
Impact and challenges in Cameroon
The We Ring the Bell Campaign, led by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS), has been promoting inclusive education for the last nine years. Significant impact has been made. 1440 children got access to education through financial support for tuition and provision of school material. Joint advocacy efforts with other INGOs like Sightsavers have resulted in at least one inclusive primary and nursery school in all 58 divisions and 360 sub-divisions in Cameroon.
And the latest campaign, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministery of Secondary Education. Both were present to evaluate the past campaigns, take stock of the state of affairs on inclusive education and better strategies for the future.
The campaign has significantly advanced inclusive education in Cameroon, but continued efforts are needed to sustain and build on these achievements. There’s a continuing stigma and discrimination in some communities against children with disabilities. CBCHS is keen on making a difference with ringing the bells as loud as possible in the future. Keep up the good work!
Emotional support in Ethiopia
This year’s campaign in Ethiopia was done by Community Based Integrated Sustainable Development Organization and Cheshire Hawassa. They worked together with a kindergarten and a primary school. This initiative has raised awareness among teachers and fostered an inclusive environment for children with and without disabilities, promoting adaptive educational practices.
The campaign has notably improved children’s social, emotional, and behavioural development, boosting their self-confidence and interactions with peers. Sixteen children participated in play-based learning activities with great enthusiasm, supported by their teachers. The educational and play materials purchased have enabled teachers to continue these activities, benefiting more children. Wonderful!
Awareness raised in Rwanda
NUDOR, our partner organisation in Rwanda has been busy too, raising awareness with the campaign. NUDOR was invited at the Catholic Education Week in Rwanda this summer in the Muhanga District. Various attendees participated as well: including government leaders, Catholic bishops and priests, partners, parents, teachers and children from nearby Catholic schools. Dr. Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego, NUDOR’s chairperson gave a speech to 9000 people. She explained the We Ring the Bell campaign, its objectives, and how it is conducted. She urged the attendees to participate in a one-minute campaign by raising flags, clapping, and cheering. Can you imagine the noise?!
Dr. Mukarwego highlighted the importance of education for the welfare of persons with disabilities, using herself as an example to show what can be achieved with proper support. Bishop Philippe Rukamba answered by calling for action to support children with disabilities in accessing education. He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the church and the community to help these children and ensure they are not left behind.
14.000 people in Tanzania
In Tanzania, We Ring the Bell campaign took place in Geita region this year. Geita was chosen due to its critical educational challenges, including high dropout rates and a shortage of teachers and materials. Expected was that 1200 children and youngsters with disability’s would ring the bell. Instead, 14,000 people were involved.
The campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the right to education, address gender disparities and harmful sociocultural practices, advocate for resource allocation, and support the rights of children with disabilities. The event also sought to mobilise stakeholders to prioritize public financing for education and improve the teaching and learning environment in schools form pre-school onwards.
Success in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, our partner organization ODDS (Organisation Dupont pour le Développement Social) implements programs aimed at making local communities more inclusive and supporting children and young people towards greater independence. They are strong promotors of the IPECE- movement. On April 17, 2024, ODDS led the ‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign with seventeen partner organizations in twelve regions of Burkina Faso. It was a resounding success.
In this edition of the ‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso alone, more than fifty schools participated, making a collective noise that couldn’t be ignored. Local administrative, political, customary, religious, and educational authorities supported the event, which was featured on 10 different channels of television, radio and online press. This widespread participation and official backing underscore the campaign’s impact.
Highlights from Kenya
Even before the official GAWE started, our partner organization CDSK (Cheshire Disability Services Kenya), along with key stakeholders, organized a peaceful procession on March 21 in Kenya at the Kuja School for the Deaf in Rongo Town, Migori County.
A memorable moment was when a man with a disability, on his way to work, spontaneously joined the procession. He passionately supported access to education for children with disabilities, sharing his own story of how education shaped his journey to success.
The event culminated in speeches from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for accessible, quality, and inclusive education as outlined in the constitution. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, disability-focused organizations, and other government ministries came together to champion this cause.
Building a Brighter Future
Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and thrive, regardless of their background or ability. The ‘We Ring the Bell’ campaign is a testament to the power of community and the importance of inclusive education. Let’s continue to build a brighter future for all children.
Join us in this mission. Find out more and get involved!
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