The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), in collaboration with the LEGO Foundation and UNICEF Africa has launched the Pamoja Tusome with Braille’ initiative aimed at enhancing inclusive learning for visually impaired children. The program seeks to provide accessible and enjoyable learning experiences through innovative and playful methods.
Speaking at the launch event, Managing Director Ministry of Education, Director secondary education Dr. William Sugut highlighted the importance of ensuring that visually impaired children benefit fully from the school curriculum. “We have worked closely with the LEGO Foundation and UNICEF to introduce this program so that children can learn in a playful manner. We want to make learning not only beneficial but also enjoyable,” said Sugut
The initiative will initially be rolled out in 17 counties over three years, reaching approximately 18,000 visually impaired learners and training over 6,000 teachers, including those in early childhood development (ECD). The government, through KISE and the Ministry of Education, is keen on ensuring that the project expands nationwide.
Dr. Norman Kiogora Director at KISE underscored the long-term vision of the program, stating, “Once the pilot phase in the 17 counties is complete, we will analyze data and strategize for nationwide implementation to ensure every visually impaired learner benefits.”
Additionally, the Kenyan government is constructing a large-scale factory at KISE to produce cost-effective assistive learning devices. This facility aims to manufacture and repair Braille machines locally, significantly reducing costs and improving accessibility.
Despite efforts to improve access to inclusive education, visually impaired learners in Kenya face several challenges, primarily due to the high cost of Braille machines. Currently, the cheapest Braille machine costs around Ksh 120,000, making it unaffordable for many families and schools. Limited resources and societal awareness further hinder their learning experience.
To address these barriers, the government and its partners are committed to producing Braille devices locally to ensure affordability. “The cost of Braille machines is one of the biggest barriers to inclusive education. By producing these devices locally, we will make them more accessible to all learners,” Said Dr Kiogora
The LEGO Foundation, a key partner in the initiative, is providing free learning materials, including Braille bricks and specialized training for teachers. A representative from the foundation emphasized the importance of making Braille learning enjoyable. “Our goal is to make Braille fun, appealing, and engaging. As we approach the 200th anniversary of the Braille code in 2025, we want to promote inclusion by encouraging both visually impaired and sighted children to learn together,” they stated.
The program aligns with global efforts to foster inclusive education, ensuring that visually impaired children in Kenya have equal learning opportunities. With strong government backing and international support, Pamoja Tusome with Braille’ is set to revolutionize special education in the country, paving the way for a more inclusive society.
