Foreword

In recent years, Ethiopia has made great strides in promoting the inclusion of girls and boys with disabilities in education. However, millions of children with disabilities remain out of school whilst those in school continue to need improved support.

Well-trained and qualified teachers are at the forefront of inclusive education, but urgent investment in the education workforce is critical to ensure all children, especially those with disabilities, enjoy their right to education.

This report, a collaboration between ActionAid, Education International and Light for the World, highlights obstacles to education workforce development and financing that stands in the way of delivering disability-inclusive education and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4).

The analysis uses data from Ethiopia to address the extent to which the broader education workforce can meet the needs of all children.

This report acknowledges the central role that teachers plays in the learning process, highlighting that to fulfil this role to the best of their abilities, teachers need to be equipped to teach all children and have the necessary support to help them adapt their teaching practices to the different learning needs of pupils, including those with disabilities. However, despite significant progress to date, the report finds that much remains to be done and unless the government commits to allocating adequate financial and human resources (including additional well-trained and remunerated teachers and education support personnel) and ensuring the required structures are in place from the federal to Woreda levels, millions of children’s right to quality, inclusive education will remain unfulfilled.

We hope that the findings in this report are helpful to practitioners, activists and policymakers and other stakeholders who are united behind national and global efforts to ensure SDG4 is achieved and that no child is left behind.

Aynalem Tefera

Country Director, Light for the World Ethiopia

Tinebeb Berhane

ActionAid Ethiopia Country Director