Call for Expression of Interest: Conversion of learner packs to accessible formats for children with disabilities

1. BACKGROUND
Lesotho is grappling with a complex web of challenges, necessitating immediate and multifaceted humanitarian interventions. Climate change poses a significant threat to Lesotho, particularly affecting agricultural productivity and food security. Erratic weather patterns, droughts, and floods disrupt farming activities, leading to poor harvests and food shortages. Rural populations, who rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods, are especially vulnerable to these changes. Children and young people are often the most vulnerable to climate impacts and disaster shocks. For instance, school closures that result from climate
effects disrupt the learning of school-going children. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of equitable access to learning resources, especially for vulnerable learners. While significant progress has been made in the development of printed and digital learner packs, there is a critical gap in formats accessible to learners with disabilities. This intervention seeks to address that gap by engaging a qualified NGO with technical capacity and experience in developing inclusive and accessible educational content that will ensure better preparedness in times of climatic shocks that lead to learning disruptions. In line with the Ministry of Education and Training’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring no learner is left behind, UNICEF Lesotho is supporting the development and dissemination of accessible learning materials for children with disabilities and other learning needs.

2. SCOPE OF WORK
The purpose of the assignment is to engage an organization that has the resources and relevant experience in converting learning materials to accessible formats for inclusive education.
Through the advice of the Ministry of Education and Training, the selected organization will convert already- existing learner packs into accessible formats (e.g. Braille, audio, large print, simplified text, digital screen-
reader compatible versions) as agreed with the Ministry, to support inclusive and equitable education delivery in times of educational disruptions. The converted materials will then be distributed to the selected beneficiary schools where the Ministry would have identified such need. The aim is to ensure that all learners, including those with disabilities, have equal access to quality learning materials, thereby promoting inclusive education and reducing educational inequalities, especially during emergencies and periods of remote learning.