Advocating for the Right to Inclusive Education for Ethnic Minority Children with Disabilities in Nam Giang
From 2018 to 2022, VNHIP, in collaboration with Liliane Fonds and local partners, implemented a project to advance inclusive education for ethnic minority children with disabilities in Nam Giang district, Quang Nam province. The project reached children across 12 communes, from 7 pre-schools and 9 primary schools. The project ensured equitable access to quality education for those most at risk, yet excluded.
Through capacity-building programs for teachers, improved learning facilities, and targeted support for children and their families, the project established a more inclusive and effective educational environment.
By working alongside the Research Center for Inclusion, the Da Nang Supporting Center for Inclusive Education, and local education departments, we strengthened the local education system to better serve children with disabilities, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Our Goals
1. Ensure the accessibility of children with disabilities to health care services and social supports
2. Improve the teacher’s capacity for inclusive education and the involvement of children with disabilities in school and community activities
3. Enhance community awareness of the rights of children with disabilities and their access to good quality education, knowledge of reproductive health education, child abuse, and injury prevention
Our Activities
The project implemented a range of activities to enhance inclusive education for ethnic minority children with disabilities in Nam Giang district. These activities were structured into three main components:
1. Early Detection and Support for Children with Disabilities
- Trained teachers on inclusive education, disability identification, and early detection tools.
- Collaborated with rehabilitation doctors and inclusive education centers to assess children’s mobility and learning abilities.
- Provided referrals, medical support, and assistive devices for children requiring further examination and treatment.
- Offered scholarships and learning materials tailored to the needs of children with disabilities.
2. Capacity Building for Teachers and Enriching Learning Experiences for Students
- Developed inclusive teaching strategies, including individual education plans and classroom adaptation techniques.
- Facilitated peer-to-peer learning and group discussions for teachers with expert guidance.
- Organized study visits for teachers to specialized centers to learn effective teaching methods.
- Enhanced life skills for children with disabilities through outdoor activities, educational trips, and cultural experiences
- 3. Community Engagement and Awareness Raising
- Conducted training for parents and teachers on children’s rights, disability care, reproductive health, and injury prevention.
- Launched the “We Ring the Bell” campaign to raise awareness about the rights of children with disabilities through school events.
- Encouraged community engagement by sharing success stories through painting and photo voice contests.
- Recognized outstanding achievements of children with disabilities and honored teachers who made a significant impact.
- These initiatives helped create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment, empowering children with disabilities to thrive academically and socially.
Success Stories
Empowering Every Child: A Teacher’s Journey in Inclusive Education
Teaching children with disabilities was once a challenge for Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Xuan, a dedicated teacher at Zo Nong Primary School. Without proper guidance, she struggled to find the right approach for her students, such as A Lang Tuy, who had difficulty with learning and pronunciation. However, everything changed when she joined VNHIP’s training program
Thuc Quyen’s Journey: Overcoming Challenges with Determination
Born with physical complications, Thuc Quyen has never let her circumstances define her. Despite losing mobility in her right arm at birth, she has shown incredible resilience in adapting to daily life and school. With VNHIP’s support, she received medical care, therapy, and opportunities to grow, helping her regain movement and confidence
Giving Every Child a Voice: Huyen Thu’s Journey to Confidence
For years, Huyen Thu, a young girl from the Co Tu ethnic minority, had difficulty speaking due to an undiagnosed medical condition. Without access to proper healthcare, her challenges went unnoticed until VNHIP stepped in. Through early intervention and community support, Huyen Thu received the medical care she needed, unlocking her voice and her confidence.
A Father’s Journey: Supporting My Daughter’s Path to Independence
In a remote village of Quang Nam, Zrum Lao has walked a long road to help his daughter, Van Nhu, overcome physical challenges. Born with clubfoot and clubhand, she struggled with daily tasks until VNHIP stepped in with medical support and rehabilitation guidance.
With love, perseverance, and community support, Van Nhu has made incredible progress, proving that every step forward is a victory.
A Teacher’s Journey to Inclusive Learning and Child Protection
In remote mountainous areas, access to modern knowledge and specialized training is limited. For teachers like Tơ Ngôl Diện, learning how to support children with disabilities and protect students from abuse is crucial. Through VNHIP’s training programs, he gained the tools and knowledge to create a more inclusive and safe learning environment for his students.
Embracing Inclusive Education: My Journey with Giang My
Teaching is more than just delivering lessons. It’s about unlocking potential and nurturing confidence in every child. For Ms. Viet Hien, a teacher in a remote village of Nam Giang, this became even more meaningful when he met Giang My, a first-grade student with mobility impairments and severe malnutrition.
With support from VNHIP’s inclusive education training, Hien transformed his teaching approach, helping Giang My gain not only academic skills but also confidence and joy in learning.
