Seminar hosted by Norad and Fafo
Inclusive Education in Developing Countries: Building Pathways for Inclusive Futures
torsdag 12. desember 2024
kl. 09:00–12:00
Inclusive education is a fundamental right for all learners, yet barriers remain, particularly for persons with disabilities in developing countries. As the world moves toward the Global Disability Summit 2025, this seminar offers a timely opportunity to discuss how we can advance inclusive education.
The seminar will be held in English.
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Light breakfast
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New research is launched
The seminar will bring together policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to exchange insights and share best practices to ensure education systems are inclusive, equitable, and supportive of all learners.
Moderator:
Tewodros Kebede, Researcher, Fafo
Program Schedule
08:30 – 09:00 – Light breakfast
09:00 – Welcome
Bård Vegard Solhjell, Director General, Norad
09:05 – The Importance of Inclusive Education
Thomas Poulsen, Head of Section, Section for Education and Research, Norad
A brief overview of Norway’s international efforts toward advancing inclusive education and promoting disability rights ahead of the Global Disability Summit 2025.
09:10 – Voices from the South: Key Challenges and Opportunities
Sirina Mahamadu, National Vice President, Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations
Highlighting critical issues in inclusive education from the perspective of persons with disabilities in developing countries.
09:15 – 10:05 Presentations:
09:15 – Understanding the Educational Landscape for Children with Disabilities in Africa
Huafeng Zhang, Researcher, Fafo
An exploration of the levels and variations in education for African school children, with a focus on those with disabilities.
09:35 – Approaches to Inclusive Education in a selection of low income countries
Rolf Bjarne Fasting, Professor, OsloMet and Rune Hausstätter, Head of Department, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
A presentation on various strategies and practices for integrating inclusive education into different learning environments.
09:50 – Does it Matter Who We Are? Identity and Disability in Education
Anne Kielland, Researcher, Fafo
This presentation will explore how the intersection of identity and disability shapes experiences of inclusion and exclusion in educational contexts.
10:05 – 10:25 Coffee Break
An opportunity for participants to network and exchange ideas.
10:25 – 11:00 Field-based interventions:
10:25 – Building Competency in Vision for Tanzanian Teachers
Gunnvor Birkeland Wilhelmsen, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
A case study focusing on training teachers on the impact of vision and vision problems in inclusive education in Tanzania.
10:40 – Together for Inclusion (TOFI): Achievements and Challenges in Inclusive Education
Eirin Kallestad, Senior Adviser Disability Inclusion, The Atlas Alliance
A presentation on the successes and ongoing challenges faced in advancing inclusive education through the TOFI initiative.
10:50 – Experiences from Inclusive Education Programs in Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar and Somalia
Elise Bjåstad, Senior Advisor, The Norwegian Association of Disabled (NAD)
Lessons learned from implementing the Inclusive Learning Approach across different countries in Africa.
11:00 – 11:55 Panel Discussion: "The Road to Inclusion: Multi-pronged Perspectives"
A dynamic panel discussion that brings together various voices to discuss how inclusive education can be effectively implemented across contexts.
Panelists:
- Elin Ruud, Senior Adviser, Section for Education and Research, Norad
- Anne Kielland, Fafo
- Eirin Kallestad, Atlas Alliance
- Elise Bjåstad, NAD
- Gunnvor Birkeland Wilhelmsen, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- Rolf Bjarne Fasting, Oslo Met or Rune Hausætter, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
The panel will address the complexities of advancing inclusive education from policy, practice, and community perspectives. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in an interactive Q&A session.
11:55 – 12:00 Closing Remarks and Seminar Conclusion
Practical information
The seminar will be held in English.
The event will be held at Norad and online through live stream. Please indicate on the registration if you want to attend or follow the live stream. Please note: Registration within 9th December.
Information for attendants at Norad, Oslo:
- Norad, Infocenter 5th floor, Bygdøy allé 2, 0257 Oslo. Kart
- Light breakfast will be served from 08:30.
- The seminar lasts 09:00–12:00.
- The event is free of charge and open to the public. Limited seating.
Information for those of you who want to watch the live transmission of the event on Fafo-tv:
- The broadcast starts at 09:00.
- You can also watch the recordings afterwards later.
- The broadcast is available to everyone, but only the participants will be sent links to the presentation