Enhancing opportunities for students and teachers with disabilities in Nepal
Quality teaching and access to training is an ongoing challenge in the rural and remote regions of Nepal, and more so for students and teachers with disabilities.
Children in these remote areas don’t have sufficient access to teachers, and those that are employed are often poorly trained and not using child-friendly approaches in learning. Additionally, the school system is less accessible for vulnerable groups of children such as girls and children with disabilities (CwD) due to a limited understanding of gender and disability in the community.
Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) NGO Australian Himalayan Foundation recognises the importance of supporting people with disabilities in the classroom to bring about transformational change.
Providing opportunities for teachers with disabilities is a powerful way to showcase inclusive education. Shishir Lama is a teacher in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal and has had a physical disability since the age of eight. He completed his studies at the local high school and then started teaching.
Prior to undertaking teacher training through the Teacher Training and Quality Inclusive Education (TTQIE) project, Shisir had limited experience in and knowledge of the curriculum and assessment process, and how to teach in a classroom setting. He now has increased confidence and feels more proficient and better equipped to deliver lessons.
Shisir told AHF’s implementing partner REED Nepal of the difference the TTQIE project has had on his life:
“I am loving the lessons now that I have more self-confidence. I no longer feel helpless and love working with other teachers at the school. The disability focus and more support and assistance (have resulted in) a disability-friendly environment at the school and community level, creating a more positive message in the community and love and care for children and people with disabilities.”
ANCP Impact Story – Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) Teacher Training Quality Inclusive Education (TTQIE) Project
July 2022
