eKitabu Joins Platform to Champion Collaborative and Inclusive Early Learning

The Scaling inclusive early childhood education and school readiness through sign language rich environments for deaf learners project has officially begun in Rwanda, marking a significant step toward educational inclusion. This collaborative initiative with the Open Development & Education, Kentalis International Foundation, Busara,  key stakeholders from the Ministries of Education in Kenya and Malawi, Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), and the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), is dedicated to creating sign-language-rich environments in schools and homes for deaf children in Rwanda, Kenya and Malawi. Funded by the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX), a joint endeavour with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, the project aims to drive system-level change through innovation and research.

To mark the project's launch,  eKitabu co-led a breakout session at the Strengthening Inclusive Education Systems Learning Exchange Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, organized by the World Bank. The workshop took place from February 10-14 and brought together government officials, non-governmental organizations, and key stakeholders from Zambia, Malawi, and Rwanda. This learning exchange provided a platform to share insights and strategies for strengthening inclusive education systems across the three countries.

One main theme from the workshop was the importance of data in informing policy decisions. "The GPE KIX project, Scaling Inclusive Early Learning with Deaf Children, focuses on demonstrating innovation impact on learning gains and sharing insights on scaling, which informs system-level changes,” explained Umutoni Marie, GPE KIX Project Lead, Rwanda. “A key takeaway for me was the critical need for data, and we hope that through our GPE KIX project, more data and evidence will be shared to inform government policies." 

eKitabu’s workshop session highlighted how assistive technology and adapted digital materials can support deaf learners and those with visual impairments. Discussions emphasized how accessible digital content breaks barriers and enables equitable education access for learners with disabilities.  

Venantie Mukanziza, Inclusive Education Specialist, eKitabu Rwanda, presenting at the workshop

Achieving inclusive education in schools and homes requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach. "Teachers, parents, and organizations working together create an environment where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive,” noted Venantie Mukanziza, Inclusive Education Specialist, eKitabu Rwanda. “The dedication and commitment of these stakeholders is inspiring and continues to drive meaningful change."

“By working together, we are not only shaping a more inclusive future for deaf learners but also fostering a society that values every child’s right to education. Through partnerships, research, and innovative solutions, we move closer to creating an education system that truly includes and empowers all learners,” she added.

The project team has built an Evidence Library to document progress, share tools and welcome feedback from interested stakeholders as the research develops.