Participation of people with disabilities in university studies is lower and dropping out of studies more common compared to non-disabled individuals. There are 1.3 billion people worldwide with some form of defined disability, and approximately 80% of these individuals live in developing countries. The right kind of accessible learning and working environments enable the participation of individuals with disabilities in higher education and society more broadly, promoting inclusivity.
The BERT - Breaking Education Barriers: Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Technology -project (2024–2026) aims to improve inclusive learning environments and practices in two East African partner universities.
"The goal of the BERT-project is to enhance the ability of East African universities to dismantle various barriers (including digital) that hinder the inclusion and social participation of people with disabilities. The project supports partner universities in promoting multidisciplinary rehabilitation services, accessibility of studies, and the use of technological aids in teaching students with disabilities. Additionally, the project aims to elevate the education level and expertise of partner universities in developing accessible and barrier-free learning environments and teaching," Aychesh Nigussie Koski, the project manager of the BERT project, explains.
Funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and administered by The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI), the Higher Education Partnership (HEP) program supports collaboration between Finnish and developing countries' universities. During the 2024–2026 funding period, the thematic focuses of the HEP program are teacher education, climate change and circular economy, and food security. The BERT-project is part of the HEP-program, which also aligns with the goals of the Finnish government program to strengthen Finland's contribution to the education sector in developing countries.
The BERT-project is coordinated by JAMK University of Applied Sciences. Other implementers in the project include the University of Tampere, the University of Rwanda, and the State University of Zanzibar. The project will be implemented during the years 2024–2026.
Invitation to the open kickoff event of the project on February 16th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM (UTC+2). Welcome to join us!
Learn more about the BERT project on the project website at BERT | Jamk.
