EKitabu and KIX Africa 19 Hub Advance Inclusive Deaf Education

UNICEF and eKitabu, with support from the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX) Africa 19 Hub, hosted a virtual regional webinar in September focused on creating sign language-rich environments that unlock educational opportunities for deaf learners. Under the theme Education Begins with Sign Language, the webinar brought together experts, government representatives, and organizations from Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi to share evidence, experiences, and innovations in promoting sign language-rich environments for deaf learners.

The session opened with impactful remarks from Mr. Washington Sati, Commissioner from Kenya and a prominent voice and leader in the disability rights movement. Drawing on his lived experience as a deaf person navigating Kenya’s education system, he highlighted that recognizing sign language is foundational to achieving inclusion and equity in education. 

"Policy recognition of sign language transforms more than access to classrooms, it opens doors to services, opportunities, and full participation in society," Sati told participants, setting a resonant tone for the day's discussions.

UNICEF ESARO Disability Specialist, outlined a strategic framework built on three essential pillars for advancing deaf education across the region:

• Technology – leveraging digital and accessible tools to enhance learning outcomes.
• Interpretation – scaling the training and availability of sign language interpreters to bridge communication barriers.
• Policy – embedding sign language recognition within education systems, national curricula, and teacher training programs. 

Inspiring country-level insights were shared:

• Malawi showcased its development of a comprehensive Malawi Sign Language dictionary and vocabulary guides, alongside the production of sign language storybooks and the establishment of dedicated interpreter training centers.
• Rwanda presented its progress in adapting curriculum materials into Rwanda Sign Language and expanding sign language instruction in lower primary grades, making early education more accessible to deaf children.
• Kenya shared its advocacy journey that culminated in the constitutional recognition of Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) in 2010, along with ongoing efforts to strengthen policy implementation through enhanced education services and interpreter availability.

In closing remarks, Ms. Sarah Bugoosi, Commissioner for Special Education in Uganda, offered an inspiring perspective. She highlighted Uganda’s strides in inclusive education and the government’s dedicated efforts to ensure that children with disabilities, including deaf learners, have equitable access to quality education. Her remarks underscored the importance of regional learning, collaboration, and shared accountability in driving progress. 

While participants celebrated measurable progress, candid discussions acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly in scaling sign language recognition, interpreter training, and increasing the production of accessible learning materials. The Evidence Library, developed by eKitabu and presented during the session, was a valuable tool to consolidate and mobilize knowledge to support advocacy and inform evidence-based policymaking.

The webinar marked an important step in advancing the conversation on deaf education and participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.

For more information on the session, click here  to access the presentation.