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, 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.

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. The initiative began with participants completing online e-learning courses to build a theoretical foundation. In early 2025, the program will progress to Adidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where the entire group of professionals will gather for on-location training sessions focused on capacity building and hands-on learning.

Project Overview

• Timing: November 2024 - March 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

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.