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Freire would see the imposition of western values and programs through foreign aid as a form of oppressive cultural invasion; “The invaders mold; those they invade are molded; invaders choose; those they invade follow that choice or are expected to follow it; invaders act; those they invade have only an illusion of acting, through the actions of the invaders” (1970, p. 133). Recipients of aid accept the imposed norms and values of the donor and perceive the donor as superior and, therefore, themselves as inferior. Freire comments, “one cannot expect positive results from an educational or political action program which fails to respect the particular view of the world held by the people. Such a program constitutes cultural invasion, good intentions notwithstanding” (1970, p. 76). Cultural invasion within development aid programs can be seen in the ready acceptance of developed countries’ values and practices by developing countries, which are introduced and enforced through ‘banking’ by an invading force of expatriate advisers.

This study examines the influence of foreign aid and local ownership in the introduction of inclusive education in Kiribati. The data reported in this paper were collected through interviews with key local stakeholders and these data are part of a larger study. Data were analysed under the major theme of ownership, and were grouped into the four sub-themes of: local responses to inclusive education initiatives; support for inclusive education principles; local attitudes regarding the contribution of Australian Aid; and, sustainability with or without aid support. The results indicate that a positive commitment towards inclusive education is emerging and that Australian Aid provided essential advocacy for children with disabilities in Kiribati through direct management of initiatives by the expatriate administered Kiribati Education Facility. Inclusive education initiatives remain dependent on Australian Aid for direction and sustainability. Sustainability of inclusive education initiatives in Kiribati will depend on continued development of local ownership including community support and commitment by the Government of Kiribati, particularly budgetary support.