Côte d'Ivoire: Strong Start for Children Who Are Deaf

For this project, called 'Strong Start for Children Who Are Deaf', Kentalis International Foundation continues to work with local Ivorian partner Réseau Ivoirien Pour la Promotion de l’Éducation Pour Tous (RIP-EPT). In RIP-EPT, we have found a strong and dedicated partner. RIP-EPT is a national network of teachers, policymakers, and education experts committed to improving access to education for all children in Côte d’Ivoire.

Both organizations share the vision of an inclusive, high-quality educational system in which every child, regardless of hearing status, can thrive. With only one specialized school for the Deaf in a country of nearly 31 million inhabitants, the need for early family support is immense. That is why we are collaborating on a train-the-trainer program that equips local social workers with the knowledge and skills to guide parents of deaf children.

This project makes use of our Parents Awareness Workshop, a training program that responds directly to the challenges faced by families. Over 90% of deaf children are born into hearing families, where hearing loss is often discovered late, and parents struggle with stigma, limited information, and communication barriers. By training social workers to support these parents, we enable families to build safe, language-rich environments from the very start of a child’s life.

Training Approach

In April 2026, the blended learning trajectory began. Ten selected social workers started with e-learning modules, covering topics such as deafness, Deaf culture, causes of hearing loss, child development, and visual communication. Throughout the process, Kentalis International Foundation provided technical support and expert guidance.

Following the e-learning phase, two weeks of on-location training have taken place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

• In April 2026, ten social workers have been trained. Two Kentalis trainers and Deaf role models have provided a five-day intensive PAW course to the selected social workers, strengthening their skills.
• In May 2026, 20 parents of deaf children where included during the second on-location training. The newly trained social workers have delivered the PAW workshops themselves to the parents. This hands-on experience prepares the social workers to independently continue the program within their communities as 'community facilitators', supported by RIP-EPT’s existing outreach work. Further, the village Lapo was visited by the team of social workers and Kentalis trainers to engage in conversation with the community members about topics such as causes on deafness, stigma's surrounding deafness, and communication and language development.

This train-the-trainer structure ensures long-term sustainability and enables the program to reach families who are often excluded from support and information.

Expected Impact on Communities

Côte d’Ivoire faces high levels of undetected or untreated hearing loss, often due to limited healthcare access. Many children gradually lose their connection to family and education without anyone understanding why. By strengthening parents’ knowledge and communication skills, the PAW project helps prevent isolation, strengthens emotional bonds, and promotes early learning.