Coordination meetings among consortium partners

Despite the closures and restrictions due to COVID-19, YWCA project staff were able to attend several meetings with Disable Peoples’ Organizations (DPOs) representatives, NCA, ADRA and Strømme Foundation in this quarter at YWCA office in Juba. During these meetings, the discussions focused on adjusting activities that could be conducted during this COVID-19 period, how we can learn from each of the consortium member and engagement with DPOs.

Support given to targeted schools

Assessment of 20 primary schools to examine their universal accessibility standard to persons with disabilities in Greater Kapoeta and Budi counties (10 in Kapoeta South and North, 5 in Kapoeta East county and 5 in Budi county) using the school accessibility checklist developed by ADRA to identify barriers to inclusion of children with disabilities for participating in learning, accessing classrooms, school toilets or latrines and facilities in mainstream primary schools.

Another significant accomplishment has been the assessment of Parent Teacher’s Associations (PTA) knowledge on inclusive education in 8 primary schools (5 in Budi County and 3 in Kapoeta East County). 61 (31 female) PTA members participated in the assessment.  Although the assessment is still ongoing in 12 schools the initial findings from 8 schools found that PTA members have a limited understanding of inclusive education and many children with disabilities have been excluded from mainstream education opportunities because the community has not recognized children with disabilities as   rights holders.