Contributions from: Abdul Karim Gindary and Jane Brouillette
Abstract
Yemen in the millennium will face challenges. Foremost will be population growth, rugged topography, water crisis, basic and girl child education. The most hidden population is children with disability. In 1997 there were no services for children with disability with the Ministry of Education and priority was given to implement an inclusive education project. This action was rights based.
The Commissioner on the Rights of the Child and Yemeni law number 451992 gave all children the right to basic education. A community-based rehabilitation (CBR) project was initiated by another Ministry and children became ready to attend school. Therefore, in 1998, three pilot projects were initiated, two in land mine areas.
Inclusive Education has been successful in the pilot areas. Children with disabilities are being welcomed at schools with teachers trained in inclusion. A Department of Inclusive Education was established to provide quality assurance. There are strong links to CBR and the disabled people's organisations. Attitudes have changed.
The Education Minister passed resolution 4071999 in which all children with disability have the right to attend neighbourhood schools throughout Yemen. No longer is education a distant right for students with disabilities. Yemen is attempting to realise their responsibility in the CRC
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