Education Cannot Wait and Special Olympics Collaborate to Enhance Inclusion for Disabled Children in Crisis

A Transformative Partnership for Inclusive Education

On December 3, 2024, a groundbreaking alliance was forged between Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and Special Olympics International (SOI), aimed at advancing inclusion through sports for children with intellectual disabilities. Announced in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this partnership looks to dismantle the barriers faced by children with disabilities, especially in emergencies and ongoing crises.

Addressing Educational Barriers

Globally, there are an estimated 22.4 million children and adolescents with disabilities living in crisis contexts, often facing monumental obstacles regarding access to quality education. In many instances, educational systems become inaccessible or inadequate for these children. Knowledge gaps regarding their potential often further marginalize them, hindering their chances for personal development and social acceptance.

This partnership aims to change that. Both ECW and SOI recognize that disability is one of the most critical areas of marginalization, particularly in crisis scenarios. Their collaboration aspires to promote an inclusive educational environment through the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program. This initiative creates opportunities for students with and without disabilities to interact and learn together, fostering acceptance and understanding.

ECW's Commitment

As the global fund set within the United Nations for education in emergencies and protracted crises, ECW has committed to ensuring that children with disabilities are not left behind. The organization aims to integrate at least 10% of children with disabilities into its programming portfolio, thereby providing a wide-ranging approach that includes key partners from various sectors – governments, civil society, and private donors.

In a statement from Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of ECW, she emphasized the untapped potential of children with disabilities, stating, "A child with a disability may actually have a potential for a greater ability. We are proud to partner with Special Olympics International to ensure that children with intellectual disabilities can realize their right to inclusive quality education through sports. Together we are setting a precedent for how the global community can address the urgent need for inclusive education."

Launch in Uganda

One of the primary focuses of this partnership will be the initiation of Unified Champion Schools in Uganda. This pilot program will specifically target children with intellectual disabilities living in refugee settlements, which have been particularly hard-hit by educational inequalities. ECW has allocated a grant of $75,000 from its Acceleration Facility to kick-start this initiative.

Timothy Shriver, Chairman of SOI, remarked on the significance of this partnership: "Children with intellectual disabilities are too often left on the margins, excluded from the promise of education and dignity. By joining forces with Education Cannot Wait, we're building a movement for inclusive education that ensures every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive."

A History of Support

Since 2018, ECW has invested over $80 million to boost educational programs in Uganda, targeting equitable quality education for both refugee and host community children—impacting more than half a million children in total. This collaborative effort signifies not just a great step forward, but also a moment of hope for many children who have been previously overlooked.

The work of ECW and SOI demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, exemplifying how educational initiatives can become a foundation for lasting change for children with intellectual disabilities worldwide. This partnership could potentially replace the narrative of exclusion with one of acceptance, encouraging communities around the globe to value the rich contributions that children with disabilities can make.

About the Organizations

Special Olympics: Founded in 1968, this global movement aims to end discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports and education. Special Olympics involves over four million athletes, one million coaches and volunteers, and hosts a myriad of competitions in countries worldwide.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW): Working as the UN’s global fund for education in emergencies, ECW provides quality education for affected children and aims to bridge immediate relief with long-term educational interventions.

This collaboration stands as an inspiring model for how organizations can work together to ensure that no child is excluded from the educational opportunities they deserve, regardless of the circumstances.