University of the Fraser Valley

Published purpose

This project aims to improve access to gender-responsive and inclusive education, particularly for girls and young women with disabilities, in two districts of northern Sierra Leone: Tonkolili and Bombali. The project targets 300 children and youth with disabilities (195 females and 105 males) between the ages of 7 and 20 who are not currently attending primary or secondary school regularly or at all. Additionally, around 400 parents/caregivers of these children, as well as community members will benefit from the project. Project activities include: (1) providing technical assistance and vocational training to local partners and government actors to help them learn about gender-responsive and inclusive learning; (2) organizing sensitization and awareness sessions for parents, caregivers, civil society organizations, and community leaders. These sessions will cover topics such as harmful gender norms/roles, disability stigma, education and health reporting, and the inclusive education resources available locally; (3) engaging with the communities through events involving trained community and youth champions, students, teachers, families, government officials, local media, and community leaders and members; (4) developing capacity building plans to support local stakeholders working for gender equality and inclusive education; (5) hosting knowledge sharing workshops on gender equality and inclusive education. These workshops will involve students, teachers, researchers, and community actors in Canada.