Uniting for Inclusion: Education and Sports for All Children

Collaborative Efforts to Foster Inclusion Through Sports

A transformative partnership is set to break down barriers faced by children with intellectual disabilities in challenging crisis situations around the globe.

In a remarkable step forward aimed at fostering inclusion, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has joined forces with Special Olympics International (SOI) to create opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports. This initiative coincides with a significant day dedicated to celebrating individuals with disabilities.

The focus of this collaboration is to overcome the educational hurdles that children and youth with intellectual disabilities face, especially in emergency and prolonged crisis situations. These settings can be especially challenging, leaving many without access to essential educational resources.

ECW's Acceleration Facility will empower SOI to expand the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program, which aims to foster a culture of inclusion within schools. This initiative will integrate three key components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and engagement across the whole school community.

Across the globe, numerous children and adolescents with disabilities—estimated to be around 22.4 million—remain excluded from quality education, particularly in times of emergency and protracted crises. The barriers they face often prevent them from accessing and succeeding in education.

"Disability is one of the most pressing areas of marginalization, particularly in crisis settings. We often underestimate the potential abilities of these children. By collaborating with Special Olympics International, we can help ensure that children with intellectual disabilities access their right to quality education through sports. Together, we set a precedent for tackling these urgent inclusion challenges on a global scale," stated Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait.

As a coordinator for education in emergencies, ECW is committed to integrating at least 10% of children with disabilities into its programmatic investments. This includes collaboration with a diverse array of partners, including governments, UN agencies, and civil society, to effectively address these urgent educational needs.

Unified Champion Schools will commence in a pilot program in communities focused on children with intellectual disabilities residing in refugee settlements. The initiative will be kick-started with a grant of US$75,000 from the ECW Acceleration Facility.

Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics International, emphasized: "Children with intellectual disabilities are unfairly pushed to the edges of educational opportunities. By partnering with Education Cannot Wait, we’re igniting a movement towards inclusive education that guarantees every child, regardless of ability, has the chance to learn, grow, and flourish. Together, ECW and SOI are dedicated to creating an inclusive landscape where education acts as a bridge to future opportunities, ensuring no child is left behind."

Since 2018, ECW has allocated over US$80 million to enhance educational programs, particularly in Uganda, catering to refugee and host community children. This effort has already benefited over half a million children, emphasizing the commitment to equitable and inclusive quality education.

About Special Olympics:

Special Olympics, established in 1968, is committed to eradicating discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organization thrives on promoting acceptance through sports, educational programming, health initiatives, and leadership development. With a network of over four million athletes and Unified Sports partners across 200 nations, Special Olympics offers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and hosts nearly 50,000 games and competitions each year. The organization inspires community involvement and worldwide engagement, fostering an inclusive environment for all.

About Education Cannot Wait (ECW):
Education Cannot Wait (ECW) serves as the global entity dedicated to providing education in emergencies and prolonged crises under the United Nations framework. Its mission is to ensure quality educational opportunities for boys and girls affected by conflict and crises, promoting inclusivity and bridging immediate relief with long-term solutions. Through partnerships with an array of stakeholders, ECW calls for expanded support from both public and private sectors to further impact vulnerable children and adolescents positively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the partnership between ECW and SOI?

The partnership aims to enhance inclusion through sports for children with intellectual disabilities, especially in crisis environments.

How will this partnership impact children with disabilities?

It will provide opportunities for social inclusion and access to quality education, empowering children with intellectual disabilities to thrive.

What is the Unified Champion Schools program?

This program intends to create inclusive school environments through Unified Sports, youth leadership, and community engagement.

Where will the pilot program take place?

The pilot program will be launched in Uganda, focusing on children with intellectual disabilities in refugee settings.

How much funding is allocated for the initial phase of this initiative?

An initial grant of US$75,000 from ECW's Acceleration Facility will support the launch of Unified Champion Schools.

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