Education for all: addressing marginalisation

Recommendations for the 2010 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) review

Despite overall increases in school participation over the past decade, some children continue to be left behind. Most often left behind are children with disabilities.

UNESCO estimates that one-third of the 72 million children currently out of school are disabled and that 90 per cent of children with disabilities in developing countries do not go to school. World Bank research suggests disability has substantially more impact on participation in education than gender, rural residence or household economic status.

Making education more responsive to the needs of children with disabilities is now one of the most pressing concerns if we are to meet the education MDG.

Children wait to start lessons outside a school in Sierra Leone.

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Sightsavers and disability rights
Two men shake hands during an awards ceremony. One man hands the other man an engraved glass award.

Sightsavers’ Abdulai Dumbuya wins award for inclusive education work

Abdulai has been recognised at this year’s Presidential National Best Teachers Awards in Sierra Leone for his work to make education systems more inclusive of children with disabilities.

October 2025
Abubakarr stands in front of an ornate wooden door.
Sightsavers stories
Stories / Disability and inclusion /

Abubakarr’s story: “Being blind has made me a stronger person”

From begging on the streets of Sierra Leone to attending an inclusive school, Abubakarr is now realising his full potential and on the path to a bright future.

Mariana Rudge.
Sightsavers blog

Moving from intention to action is key to inclusive education for all

Following the Global Disability Summit, Sightsavers and the Global Partnership for Education share how world leaders can achieve quality schooling for children with disabilities.

Sightsavers, May 2025