As part of the project monitoring activities, a team of Key Experts conducted a study visit to Gaza Province from 1 to 5 July 2024. The mission focused on assessing inclusive education practices and the implementation of the STEM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in secondary schools and local resource centres.
Good Practices and Inclusion at the CREI in Macia
- The visit to the Inclusive Education Resource Centre (CREI) in Gaza made it possible to identify significant progress in supporting students with specific needs. The team highlighted positively:
- The existence of specialized classrooms applying inclusive methodologies.
- The effective use of Braille writing and adapted mathematical notation to ensure access to knowledge, as well as a high level of student engagement in inclusion and vocational guidance.
The Challenge of Technological Sustainability
Despite these strengths, the assessment carried out at Joaquim Chissano Secondary School and Xai-Xai Secondary School revealed critical obstacles to the sustainability of the project:
- Limited Infrastructure: There is still a lack of fully functional computer labs and stable connectivity.
- Technical Maintenance: The absence of dedicated ICT technicians was identified, making maintenance of electronic equipment infrequent and compromising its longevity.
- Teacher Training: Most teachers reported a lack of specific training to integrate digital tools into inclusive pedagogy.
Impact and Outlook
The data collected in this province is essential for Project Output 2, which aims to develop accessible digital content and ensure continuous teacher training. The findings in Gaza reinforce the need for strategies that operate effectively in low-connectivity environments, ensuring that pedagogical innovation reaches all students, regardless of their location.
The delegation of experts in Gaza included specialists in Programming, Digital, STEM, and Living Lab areas, representing the collaboration between UP-Maputo and ISET-One World.
