Addis Ababa – In a city where navigating the school system can be challenging even for the able-bodied, more than 34,000 students with special needs attended school during the 2024/25 academic year, a quiet but powerful testament to progress in inclusive education.
The Addis Ababa Education Bureau revealed that 34,015 students with disabilities were enrolled across the capital’s public schools, surpassing the bureau’s target of 33,604. It is a modest numerical gain, but behind each figure is a child defying systemic odds.
“For children with disabilities, access to education is not just about a desk and a teacher, it’s about dignity,” said Getahun Lemma, Director of Planning and Budget Monitoring at the Bureau.
Among the most significant developments was the distribution of audio books, which benefited over 10,200 visually impaired students, a first-time experience for many. “Now I can read on my own,” said Hana, a 14-year-old student with low vision. “I don’t have to wait for someone to read to me anymore.”
Infrastructure, too, saw improvement. Ramps were repaired in 21 schools and built anew in 12 others, creating better access for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments. These changes, while seemingly minor, mark a shift from charity-based models to rights-based approaches in the city’s education framework.
Advocates say that while the numbers are promising, there is more to be done, from teacher training to adaptive classroom materials and broader social awareness.
Still, for thousands of families across Addis Ababa, this year has offered something that once seemed distant: a chance for their children to learn, grow, and belong.
As Getahun puts it, “We’ve moved from inclusion in principle to inclusion in practice, and the journey continues.”