Include Us in Education! - Barriers and Enablers to Education for Children with Disabilities in Nepal

• In Event: Include us in education: Barriers and enablers to education for children with disabilities in Nepal

Abstract

Prem Aryal, Learning Coordinator with Plan Nepal is one of the contributors of Plan International’s ‘Include Us in Education!’ research report. Prem will discuss the research methodology and data collection of the research, the definitions, the main findings and the recommendations of the report.

In total, twenty-one families were visited in Nepal for this study. The selection of families was purposive to ensure the sample was representative by disability type, gender and school status. Parents were asked questions about the child’s education, including their experience in school and/or reasons for non-attendance. Children were asked to discuss positive and negative experiences at home and school. Key informant interviews varied based on the background of the interviewee, but were designed to give contextual background.

The research noted that barriers to enrolling, staying in and regularly attending school included: transportation to and from school, economic factors such as the direct costs of schooling (e.g. exam, uniform, stationary fees), poor health or the need for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation and also negative of parental or in the community.

Prem’s presentation will focus on the complex reasons why children with disabilities are not attending school, progressing through or completing school.

Author

• Prem Aryal, Plan International - Nepal