Teaching inclusion, building belonging
A toolkit for educators and education unions to promote inclusion and end stigma related to leprosy (Hansen’s disease)
Education has a vital role in challenging stigma and discrimination, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that every learner can participate fully and equally. This toolkit approaches leprosy (Hansen’s disease) not as an isolated health topic but as part of a broader effort to strengthen inclusive education, challenge discrimination, and promote dignity through education. It recognises that stigma, discrimination, and exclusion—not leprosy (Hansen’s disease) itself—are often the greatest barriers to education.
The toolkit equips teachers, education support personnel, school leaders, and education unions with practical, user-friendly guidance to create inclusive learning environments, prevent and respond to stigma and discrimination, and advocate for policies and practices that uphold the rights, dignity, and participation of persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease).
While the examples throughout the toolkit focus on learners affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and learners with disabilities, the inclusive education strategies presented are relevant to all learners, particularly those who experience exclusion because of poverty, gender, race, ethnicity, language, health conditions, or other forms of disadvantage.
Who is this toolkit for?
- Teachers
- Education support personnel
- School leaders
- Education unions and union representatives.
It may also be useful for teacher educators, education officials, school counsellors, and others working to promote inclusive education.
