For a project to provide access to primary education for children with disabilities in Kenya, Sudan and Botswana. 

The goal of this three-year effort is to contribute to achieving universal primary education in three developing countries.

The initiative will enroll over 1,500 disabled children in local primary schools equipped with trained teachers, accessible classrooms and sanitation facilities, and informed local communities. Beyond providing a direct benefit to the participating children, the long-term goal of the pilot is to demonstrate to the Ministries of Education and local education authorities a template for sustainable national programs. Building on Leonard Cheshire Disability’s (LCD’s) longstanding work, the project will commence with the development in each country of a three-way partnership among a local non-governmental organization, the Ministry of Education, and an academic institution. In addition, LCD will coordinate a transnational approach in which representatives from the three participating countries collaborate in program development and share their experiences and learning. 

LCD will build on its extensive experiences in Kenya and South Africa to develop models of inclusive education in five to eight schools in each country with an agreement to expand beyond the pilot sites.  LCD will also conduct community programs to create awareness of the needs of disabled children and to help reverse widespread negative attitudes in these countries about educating children with disabilities. 

Leonard Cheshire Disability’s mission is provide disabled people throughout the world the environment necessary for physical, mental and spiritual well-being.  The first Leonard Cheshire Service was established in 1948 in Hampshire, United Kingdom by the late Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC. Programs now exist in 57 countries worldwide.