April is Deaf History Month- Tutoring is Essential for Students with Disabilities
Zinabu (left) and Mekebo (right) practice sign language during after-school tutoring with Tagesech, Inclusive Resource Center Coordinator. She shared, “...tutoring and additional support have helped them improve their classroom performance.”
In honor of Deaf History Month, we would like to share a story about Zinabu, age 12, and Mekebo, age, 14- two students thriving at Mudula Primary School. Zinabu and Mekebo are not only 5th-grade classmates; they are also brothers. Both Mekebo and Zinabu were born deaf. They live in Mudula town with their parents and three siblings and started school five years ago when WEEMA first established the Inclusive Education Program at Mudula Primary School.
Over the past five years, Mekebo and Zinabu have learned sign language and are progressing in their classes. Both brothers, along with other students with disabilities, participate in afterschool tutoring for ongoing sign language training and homework support. Since these students with disabilities started school later, tutoring has helped decrease their education gap. Additionally, Zinabu, Mekebo, and their parents have received educational materials and ongoing educational and counseling support.
Zinabu (left) and Mekebo (right). Zinabu shared, “I am happy to be in the same class with my brother. He is not only my brother- he is also my best friend. We study together and support our family after school.”
We are thrilled that Mekebo and Zinabu have access to an inclusive education that supports their educational goals. Inclusive education has been transformative for all students and the larger community, contributing to positive social change and inclusion.
Mudula Primary School currently has 98 students in the inclusive education program and is a “Model Inclusive Education Center” in the region. Teachers and administrators from local districts continue to visit, learning about incorporating an inclusive education center in their schools. Many of these schools have established their own inclusive education programs, reaching even more students with disabilities in the region.
In Ethiopia, children with disabilities have been historically denied the right to an education due to cultural stigma, discrimination, and lack of resources. Our inclusive education program has helped transform the educational landscape for all children in the communities we serve by creating a more equitable educational environment. Our Inclusive Education Program focuses on:
supporting ongoing teacher training
educating the public on disability inclusion
creating child-friendly classrooms and resource rooms
psychosocial and tutoring support
provide necessary medical assistive devices and teaching equipment for students.
Mekebo shared, “I enjoy school, and tutoring is helping me improve my skills. It has given me the confidence to participate more in class.”
We are deeply invested in creating a more equitable educational environment by supporting eight schools’ Inclusive Education Programs and establishing a new Inclusive Education Program in the town of Durame.