Globally, up to 15% of people are considered to have some form of disability. However, in Morocco for example, only 32% of disabled children access basic education and in Tunisia, learners with disabilities and special learning needs typically suffer from high drop-out rates from formal education. The context is similar across the Maghreb region.
With this in mind, British Council and Hornby Educational Trust are launching a new pioneering initiative to explore ways of supporting learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) by hosting a Maghreb-wide training workshop and networking event, from 30 July to 3 August 2017.
Delegations of top-level ministerial directors and leaders of national teaching and educational associations from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya are participating in the first Hornby Regional Maghreb Summer School in Algiers. In their positions as decision-makers, the participants will support positive change and systemic reform in the area of Special Educational Needs in their respective Maghreb countries.
The high-level event, officially opened by the UK Ambassador to Algeria, Andrew Noble, is taking place at the British Council in Algiers. It aims to develop awareness and understanding of special educational needs and inclusive education with particular reference to the Maghreb context. The workshop focuses on the needs and challenges of each country and will provide training on continuous professional development and in-service training. Participants will also plan further activities for their return to their countries.
British Council has invited a UK expert in SEN, Phil Silvester, to deliver the training. The workshop supports more inclusive education by implementing inclusive practices, which will lead to positive change in the classroom.
As Sandra Hamrouni, British Council Director, Algeria explained: “It is so good to have the opportunity to join the UK, Algeria and the other Maghreb countries together on this important occasion and to share learning, ideas and expertise on the key issue of inclusive education and to support learners with special educational needs. This course supports and enriches all British Council initiatives on equality, diversity and inclusion”
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