The ‘We Ring a Bell’ is an inclusive education advocacy dedicated to disseminating crucial information to various stakeholders, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right for every child irrespective of their ability. It aims to encourage parents to ensure that children with disabilities are allowed to learn alongside their non-disabled peers in school
This annual event is an initiative of Liliane Fonds together with its strategic partners and is celebrated every March 13th, zooming in on various crucial themes aimed at advocating for early childhood education.
For instance, last year it focused on Inclusive Play-based Early Childhood Education (IPECE).
The advocacy initiative is done through our Multi-Annual Programme Plan (MAPP) project, in partnership with various partner organizations and the Ministry of Education both from national and county Governments, DPOs, other government-aligned ministries, CSOs while also bringing together the key players in the education sector.
The process involves various activities, like teacher training on inclusive education and disability-inclusive languages and etiquette at the same time, administering our disability inclusion toolkits, disability referrals, and assessment and placement of learners with disabilities in schools.
The celebrations always begin with a peaceful procession as participants and children with disabilities carry placards, with chants of messages advocating and creating awareness on inclusive early childhood education and accessible quality education to children with disabilities as well as ringing bells as a sign of calling all children back to school.
While we have achieved remarkable outcomes before from such initiatives, this year we are getting bigger and greater as we bring back the “We Ring the Bell Campaign” nationally. We will be filling the streets of Nairobi as we advocate for inclusive quality education for all children.