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.
Invent Your Own Games
This year Liliane Fonds has launched a new initiative within the campaign: “Invent or make your own games and toys with local materials.” This play challenge aims to promote Inclusive Play-based Early Childhood Education (IPECE). By encouraging creativity and innovation, the challenge emphasizes the importance of play in the development and socialisation of all children, especially in early childhood education settings. Many beautiful events have been organized around IPECE in multiple- countries; let’s highlight two African examples.
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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