Cameroon approves landmark inclusive education policy

The government of Cameroon has adopted a national policy to deliver quality and equitable inclusive education for people with disabilities.

Sightsavers played a key role in developing in the policy, which aims to help provide education for at least a quarter of people with disabilities in Cameroon by 2028. The policy aims to help improve access to education and training institutions, involve people with disabilities in teacher training and evaluation, and develop partnerships to strengthen educational governance.

As part of the partnership between Sightsavers Ireland and Irish Aid, the Irish government’s international development programme, Sightsavers Cameroon has supported the country’s efforts to implement inclusive education and social inclusion projects.

By working closely with several government ministries, Sightsavers has helped to increase the number of inclusive schools from five in 2012 to 720 in 2023.

The government of Cameroon confirmed its commitment to the inclusive education policy at a ceremony attended by government ministers, the Platform of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, Sightsavers and other international organisations, including Plan International and the World Bank.

Sightsavers’ contribution was acknowledged during the event, which was chaired by the Minister of Basic Education, Professor Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, and the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Pauline Nalova Lyonga.

In the next four years, Cameroon has committed to transforming 1,200 educational institutions, training 8,000 teachers and supporting more than 22,000 students with disabilities. This move represents a positive step towards improving education in the country, paving the way for a more inclusive learning environment for all.