The ‘Leading Inclusion and Belonging in Schools’ Policy Dialogue was held from 15-17 October in Kenya. The event addressed the constant changes within the school sector, focusing on evolving policies and practices to tackle emerging challenges, develop innovative solutions to ongoing issues, and anticipate developments impacting students and staff.
The conference recognised the varied and complex challenges facing school systems, acknowledging that no single approach could address the sector's diversity. It highlighted the importance of curiosity about a wide range of policy ideas and practices, openness to learning from others, engagement with marginalised voices, and collaboration with global policymakers to craft inclusive, effective, and sustainable solutions.
For the inclusion of all children and young people to succeed and endure, it was emphasised that policies and practices must be achievable, empowering, and based on a thorough and sensitive understanding of the context of each school and education system. Developing inclusive schooling required a multi-tiered response addressing policy, practice, and culture at all levels of the education system.
The conference focused on three key themes:
- The education and inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Gender equality, particularly the education and inclusion of girls.
- Language of instruction as both a barrier and enabler of inclusion and belonging.
Policymakers from Schools Connect countries attended, discussing their contexts, policy directions, and challenges in inclusive education. They formed international networks, debated educational issues, and shared evidence, insights, and practices to enhance inclusive school systems.
The event featured keynote presentations, workshops, group discussions, and a visit to an inclusive school in Nairobi, allowing participants to reflect, learn, and network. Simultaneous and consecutive translation into Arabic was provided, fostering a collaborative and participatory environment.