Inclusive education

Despite dramatic improvements in access to school over the past decades, progress has stagnated, and many children are still excluded from learning in safe, healthy and non-discriminatory environments.

168 million children were out of school in GPE partner countries in 2022. Many more are in school but are at risk of dropping out.

Inequality in access and learning is exacerbated by intersecting factors, including gender, socioeconomic conditions, disability and displacement.

There are nearly 240 million children with disabilities worldwide. They are much less likely to start school and if they do, they are unlikely to transition to secondary school. Their access to school is often limited by a lack of understanding about their needs, and a lack of trained teachers, classroom support, learning resources and facilities.

Denying children with disabilities their right to education has a lifelong impact on learning, achievement and employment opportunities, hence hindering the economic, social and human development of individuals but also societies as a whole.

Displacement often cuts short a child’s education, with far fewer refugees attending school than their peers. There are 14.8 million school-aged refugee children and more than half of them remain out of formal education.

Socioeconomic conditions continue to be a major factor determining education outcomes.

Location and context, such as living in a rural area, fragile country or climate vulnerable region, combined with the quality and reach of education services, matter to understanding the barriers to education.

Inclusion means transforming schools so that they can respond to the diverse needs of all children – ensuring that they are not just present in the classroom but also safe, participating and learning.

GPE 2025, the partnership’s strategic plan, commits to leaving no child behind.

Increased equity, gender equality and inclusion in education are fundamental to GPE’s mission.