THE CHALLENGES OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN ETHIOPIA: THE REALITY ON THE GROUND

Abstract

Ensuring access to quality education for all acknowledges the intrinsic value of diversity and respect for human dignity. In this way, differences come to be seen in a positive light as the stimulus for fostering learning among all children. The principles of inclusion and equity in education are, then, not only about ensuring access to education, but also about having quality learning spaces and pedagogies that enable students to thrive, to understand their realities, and to work for a more just society. However, researches indicate that there are several challenges to implement Inclusive Education. Hence, the main purpose this article review was investigating the major challenges that hinder the implementation of inclusive education in Ethiopia. Methodological wise, it employed a narrative review since the reviewer summarized the findings of empirical research which were conducted in different parts of Ethiopia at different time regarding challenges of Inclusive Education. The findings from the reviewed studies revealed that attitudinal barriers, skill/knowledge barrier, inflexibility of curriculum, policies barriers, economic barrier, and physical/ infrastructural barriers are the major hindrances to implement inclusive education in Ethiopia. And hence, it is recommended that ministry of education, non-government organizations working on education, families, schools and communities need to change and accept children with disabilities to be part of the system and refrain from expecting the children to adjust and conform to what the system provides.