West Africa schools tackle stigma of disability

Text/photography: Kieran Guilbert

Disabled children in West Africa are more likely to be out of school than any other group of children, and are often deemed as cursed and worthless by society.

But attitudes are changing and a growing number of schools across Senegal and West Africa are embracing inclusive education, where children with and without disabilities learn in the same class.

Several organisations, including Sightsavers and Handicap International, have been working with the Senegalese government to train teachers, persuade parents of the benefits of inclusive education and tackle stigma and discrimination in communities.

"At first there were worries and fears, it was an innovation to have all the children together in one class," said teacher Mbaye Sow at L'Ecole Malick Diop in Dakar, Senegal.

"But when you see disabled children coming out of their shell, working and playing with others - it is joyful."