The IREDE Foundation has commenced advocacy towards the promotion of Inclusive Budgeting Process for Persons With Disabilities.
Earlier in the week, the group brought together stakeholders in a workshop to build their capacity on Disability Inclusive Budgeting under their ongoing “Promoting Inclusive Budgeting Process for Persons with Disabilities” project.
The objective of the workshop was to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of inclusive education and disability-inclusive budgeting.
The workshop aimed at equipping the stakeholders to actively contribute to achieving inclusive education through inclusive budgeting processes at both the state and national levels, specifically in Lagos State.
The participants were drawn from different stakeholders including representatives from Organizations Of Persons with Disabilities, Education-Focused NGOs, and officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budgeting, and School-Based Management Committee.
The workshop was conducted in two sessions, and it successfully increased the knowledge of the stakeholders regarding inclusive education for children with disabilities and disability-inclusive budgeting.
Throughout the workshop, there were fruitful discussions on various topics, including the current wins, limitations, and challenges related to budgeting for inclusive education in the state.
The facilitators also were able to address issues relating to attitudinal and socio-cultural barriers that hinder access to education for children with disabilities.
Moreover, they laid emphasis on the significance of inclusive education and the importance of Universal Design in achieving comprehensive inclusion.
Participants jointly recommended action plans that stakeholders can explore as concerned organisations or individuals;
-Utilizing technology and social media marketing for proactive resource mobilisation
-Enhancing funding opportunities
-Fostering an enabling environment for children with disabilities.
-Providing assistive devices and learning materials to cater for their diverse needs.
-Strengthening collective and individual advocacy efforts
-Conducting monitoring, evaluation, and audits of allocated budgets
This workshop represented The IREDE Foundation’s ongoing advocacy for inclusive budgeting in order to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities, have access to quality inclusive education in Lagos State and nationwide.
The Irede foundation expressed their gratitude to their partner, Disability Rights Fund for their financial and technical support in promoting equal rights and full participation in society.
Additionally, the group appreciated Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Disability Matters, for her invaluable contributions in addressing these challenges and facilitating policy implementation.
