Ruth, a 10-year-old student in Zambia, is proving that inclusive education can transform lives. Born with a mild to moderate visual impairment, Ruth has faced challenges in her early education. Her condition affects her vision, causing pain and varying levels of difficulty from day to day. Thanks to the Tusambilile Chapamo ‘Let’s Learn Together’ project, funded by the European Union, Ruth’s needs have been identified and are being addressed.
As part of the project, Ruth underwent a screening that diagnosed her with refractive error, and she will soon receive glasses to improve her vision. Her teacher, Ms. Chilongo, has also taken steps to ensure Ruth can thrive in the classroom by seating her at the front and using adaptive learning materials, like beads, to help with literacy skills. These changes are already making a significant difference in Ruth’s learning experience.
When Ruth isn’t in school, she enjoys washing plates and dancing with friends and neighbors, embracing the joy of childhood despite the obstacles she faces.
Ruth’s story is part of a larger initiative by Sightsavers, in partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Education and the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD). The Tusambilile Chapamo ‘Let’s Learn Together’ project was launched in February 2021 and will run until January 2025. It aims to promote inclusive education for children and young people with disabilities, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, including girls, youth with albinism, and those facing high levels of stigma and discrimination.
The project operates in Chinsali district in Muchinga Province, working to create long-term systemic change. It equips teachers with the skills needed to support learners with disabilities, making classrooms more inclusive and accessible for all. Additionally, it empowers communities, disability advocacy organisations, and policymakers to champion the importance of disability-inclusive education.
The project has achieved remarkable results so far:
- 900 learners with disabilities have been enrolled in inclusive education programs.
- 460 teachers have been trained in inclusive education methods and are applying this knowledge in their classrooms.
- 218 community members have received training to advocate for the education of children with disabilities.
- More than 50% of learners with disabilities attending learning centers are girls or young women, addressing gender disparities in access to education.
As a result of these efforts, Ruth is now thriving in school, and her teacher is equipped to support students with disabilities alongside their peers. This inclusive approach ensures that children like Ruth not only access education but also excel in their learning journey.
Globally, nearly 240 million children live with disabilities, with 28.9 million in eastern and southern Africa. Stories like Ruth’s highlight the transformative power of inclusive education to break down barriers, foster equality, and create opportunities for every child to succeed.
The Tusambilile Chapamo project is more than an education initiative—it is a movement to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have the chance to learn and thrive together.