The World Bank has approved a $2.97 million grant to support children with disabilities in Djibouti. The funding aims to improve care and educational opportunities for these children, providing them with the necessary resources from the start of their learning journey.
The project, financed by the Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF), seeks to transform educational access and economic opportunities for children with disabilities and their families in selected schools across Djibouti. It will conduct assessments to understand challenges faced by these children at home and school, empowering the National Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ANPH) and its partners to gather critical data. The focus is on enhancing educational access and fostering economic inclusion for families.
Approximately 4,500 individuals are expected to benefit from this initiative, including 2,500 schoolchildren with hearing and visual disabilities and 2,000 household and community members. Vulnerable groups such as poor, out-of-school children and those enrolled in regular or specialized schools will be prioritized. The project aligns with strategies from ANPH, the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFOP), and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Solidarity (MASS).
"This project is a transformative effort aimed at empowering children with disabilities in Djibouti," emphasized Fatou Fall, Joint Resident Representative of the World Bank Group for Djibouti. "Through the enhancement of educational resources and support systems, we are tackling the current needs of these children while simultaneously providing them with the essential tools for long-term success and societal integration."
Despite efforts to integrate marginalized Djiboutians living with disabilities as full citizens, barriers remain in accessing quality education. Families hosting children with disabilities face economic challenges due to high costs associated with medical care and specialized therapies.
"This initiative marks a crucial advancement in our shared mission to foster inclusivity in Djibouti," stated Hara Keichii, Japan Ambassador to Djibouti. "By enhancing educational and economic opportunities for children with disabilities, we are not only meeting current challenges but also building a pathway to a more inclusive tomorrow."
Aligned with Djibouti’s Vision 2035, this operation supports socio-economic development by addressing conditions exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic impacts. It aligns with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework and Djibouti's National Disability Strategy 2021-2025.
The Japanese Social Development Fund is a partnership between the Government of Japan (GoJ) and the World Bank established in June 2000 following the Asian financial crisis.