Read more about our work in Côte d'Ivoire.
We Support Education for Deaf Children in Côte d'Ivoire
Inclusive and deaf education for children in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is very limited. That is why Kentalis International Foundation started training programs in this country. Together with our local partner, Réseau Ivoirien pour la Promotion de l’Éducation Pour Tous (RIP-EPT) we work on knowledge exchange and capacity building for professionals so they are well-equipped to support deaf learners.
Our mission in Côte d'Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, deaf education faces significant challenges. There is currently only one established school for the Deaf, located in Abidjan, which limits access to education for many deaf children across the country. Efforts to address this gap include the use of American Sign Language (ASL) in education, though many deaf individuals continue to use local sign languages. Next to ASL, sign languages used in Côte d'Ivoire are Langue des Signes de l’Afrique Francophone, Langue des Signes Bouakako, and local sign languages. Several local sign languages are at risk of being overshadowed by ASL due to limited resources and recognition: no local sign language has currently gained an official status.
While (local) initiaves like teacher training are starting to emerge and inclusive education is becoming a priority in the country's education strategy, the current infrastructure and systemic support for Deaf education remains extremely underdeveloped. That is why Kentalis International Foundation is committed to train and support educators in Côte d’Ivoire to enhance access to education for deaf learners throughout the country.
Examples of Our Activities in Côte d'Ivoire
Together with our local partner organization RIP-EPT, we focus on improving education for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Project: train-the-trainer program in literacy for deaf learners
In 2024, we launched a project to train teacher trainers in the Reading Method for Early Literacy. This project takes place alternately online and in person. The online training began in November 2024, with participants completing online e-learning courses at their own pace to build a theoretical foundation.
In January 2025, the program progressed to Adidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where the entire group of professionals gathered for on-location training sessions. These sessions took place in the commune of Yopougon, where 12 teacher trainers learned all the practical aspects of the Reading Method for Early Literacy. In the following months, these participants will be tasked with training other teachers within the framework of the project.
Dr. Tano Angoua, a professor-researcher at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University and national coordinator of the project, emphasized that the impact of this initiative goes beyond this week of training itself. "We are contributing to the effective implementation of inclusive education in Ivory Coast."
Project Overview
- Timing: November 2024 - April 2025
- Focus: capacity building for professionals so they can teach literacy to deaf children
- Blended learning: the project consists of both online and on-location training
- Location: The Netherlands (online) and Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Sign Language in Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, multiple versions of fingerspelling are used. A sign language fingerspelling alphabet that is used in Côte d’Ivoire is shown in this video.
Future Directions and Collaboration
We are excited to the further roll-out of our project and collaboration with our partner organization in Côte d'Ivoire.
For inquiries about our work in Côte d'Ivoire or other countries, please contact us. If you are an organization interested in supporting education for deaf learners, find more information about partnering with us.