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154 - Inclusive Education Project, Jairos Jiri Association, Zimbabwe
CONTACT
Jairos Jiri Association
Mr. Wilson Ruvere
Zimbabwe
+263 772 235 094
OVERALL GOAL /MISSION
To empower communities to transform their schools into inclusive education centers, through the removal of physical,
social, economic and political barriers. The overall goal of the project is to create conducive learning environments for
children with disabilities in ordinary schools without taking them out of their localities. Thus, the approach gives local
communities the opportunity to use local solutions and resources in addressing inclusive education issues. The project
therefore aims at transforming the existing schools into inclusive institutions by removing physical, social, economic and
political barriers whilst at the same time, promoting home grown solutions. The belief is that empowering communities
gives them the opportunity to take charge of their own situations thereby being able to solve their own problems and
creating a strong basis for sustainability and replication of the project which is the cornerstone of any development
related project. People with disabilities, parents and caregivers of children with disabilities become key partners in the
project and take an active role in the education of their children – a fundamental right which they are usually denied.
THE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
Jairos Jiri Association carried out intensive awareness-raising to stakeholders such as government officials, community
leaders, school authorities, communities, parents and school children and established two primary inclusive education
model schools in Mutoko and Mudzi Districts. People with disabilities, parents, caregivers and the communities were
mobilized, encouraged and empowered to take active roles in the education of their children with disabilities. JJA
provided the necessary assistive devices.
COUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS DEVELOPED: Zimbabwe
COUNTRY/ COUNTRIES IN WHICH IT IS OPERATING: Zimbabwe
FACTS ABOUT SIZE AND SCOPE
1. The two schools have an enrolment of 738 children with 85 girls and boys with disabilities.
2. 27 teachers were in-service trained in sign language and inclusive education issues.
3. 14 school development committee members received training in sign language and inclusive education.