Six years of inclusive education at the University of Rwanda-College of Education: Evaluation and perspectives

Abstract

Inclusive education is one of the emerging challenges in the Rwandan education today, just like in many other educational systems. The College of Education of the University of Rwanda developed and implemented the inclusive education program since 2008. Thirty students with severe disabilities (SwDs) have enrolled, and only fourteen graduated so far. The present study shows that in order to enhance the learning process, a resource room was established to host an assortment of support materials that were purchased. However, few gaps were also revealed: Firstly, the low level of the awareness of staff which is not trained and informed; secondly, the lack of pre-admission guidance and counseling system, as well as diagnostic facilities. Thirdly, inadequately diverse support materials to enable more categories of disabilities to be supported, inappropriate standards and norms as well as follow-up support mechanisms to help graduates as they join the labor market. Finally, it showed the necessity of having SwDs’ associations to enhance advocacy and awareness raising campaigns.

Key words: Disabilities, inclusive education, special educational needs, evaluation, perspectives