Read more about our work in Ethiopia.
Enhancing education for deaf students in Ethiopia
Kentalis International Foundation has been dedicated to improving educational opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Ethiopia. Recognizing the need for specialized education in this field, we have embarked on impactful projects that aim to equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to support these young learners effectively.
Our mission in Ethiopia
Ethiopia faces challenges in providing quality education for deaf students, particularly in developing their literacy skills. Many educators lack the specialized training needed to address the unique needs of these children, which can hinder their academic and personal development. Our mission is to bridge this gap through targeted training programs and collaborations with local educational institutions.
Examples of our activities in Ethiopia
Our initiatives have included developing a sign language observation list for primary schools, and implementing a training program that equipped lecturers and teachers with the skills to teach reading to deaf children.
Project: teaching literacy to deaf children
This project, which ran from June 2023 to March 2024, focused on enhancing the capabilities of educators in Ethiopia to support the literacy development of deaf students.
Project Overview
- Blended learning approach: The project utilized a combination of online courses and hands-on training. Educators first engaged with theoretical content via our e-learning platform, followed by practical skills training on-site in Addis Ababa.
- Participants: 9 university lecturers from 4 different universities were trained to become 'reading coaches.' These coaches then led the training for 15 teachers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, under the guidance of Kentalis experts.
- Methodology: The Reading Method for Early Literacy (RMEL) was central to the training, providing educators with practical tools and strategies to enhance literacy among deaf students.
- Outcomes: The educators gained the skills needed to implement the RMEL in their classrooms and to train additional teachers, ensuring the sustainability of the program.
Positive Impact and Feedback
The training program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, highlighting its impact on their professional development and the creation of inclusive learning environments.
- "I am very much happy with the modality and overall organization of this training. I am eager to try out these methods in my classroom." – Participating teacher
- "The training marked a key turning point in my career, providing me with valuable insights into inclusive education." – University lecturer
These testimonials reflect the transformative effect of the training, not only on individual educators but also on the broader educational community.
Ethiopian sign language
For our work in Ethiopia, we developed a video on the Ethiopian Sign Language finger spelling alphabet, as a resource to help spread this knowledge. Watch the video below.
Future directions and collaboration
As we concluded this project, we look forward to continuing our efforts in Ethiopia.
We invite other organizations and educational institutions to join us in our mission to enhance education for deaf learners in Ethiopia. Together, we can break down communication barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children.
For inquiries about our work in Ethiopia 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.