Commonwealth Secretariat meeting highlights the role of sport in promoting inclusive education

18 January 2012

Right To Play welcomes the agreements made at the Commonwealth Secretariat Roundtable on Inclusive Education and Sustainable Employment for Persons with Disabilities.

Stacey Cram, Advocacy Manager at Right To Play said:

"Reaching and prioritising the participation of the most excluded children and youth is the only way to ensure reductions in inequalities. It is also the only way to increase community understanding and foster greater social cohesion which is sustainable in the long run.

Collective acknowledgment in the need to mainstream disability into the development agenda is therefore a success in its own right. However what is even more encouraging is the recognition of sport for development and peace (SDP) as an important tool in promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities into education systems.

The Commonwealth pledged its commitment to SDP through the appointment of the Commonwealth Advisory Board on Sport (CABOS) in 2005, with a focus on four key policy areas including education. Recognising the role of sport to also address disability further raises the profile of SDP as a suitable and appropriate tool in attaining government priorities, while contributing to CABOS' aim of building inclusive communities."

At the two day Commonwealth Secretariat meeting, participants highlighted the role of sport in reducing stigmas and discrimination of people living with disabilities. SDP programmes were also commended in their ability to build in children and youth increased self-esteem and confidence while teaching essential life and social skills.

Currently ratified by 27 of the 54 Commonwealth Member States, participants also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships in order to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while discussing best practices including developing information sharing networks and building capacity within government and civil society.

Inclusion is a central theme in Right To Play’s work and all programmes promote the full participation of children and youth irrespective of age, gender, culture, or ability.

In Ethiopia Right To Play has established strong partnerships with 11 disability specific schools and institutions and more than 1000 children living with a disability currently participate in weekly sport and play sessions. As a result Right To Play Ethiopia was recognised by UNICEF as the best international NGO for its efforts in raising the profile of people living with disabilities.

"The Commonwealth Secretariat meeting is a step in the right direction and will encourage Commonwealth members to continue recognising and promoting not only the rights of persons with disabilities, but also the crucial role of sport in addressing international development goals. Our success in Ethiopia is a clear indication of the role of sport and play, and we will continue to promote such partnerships in order to ensure that children and youth living with disabilities remain at the centre of our work."

Stacey Cram, Advocacy Manager, Right To Play

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