School in Kenya Transforms Learning for Students with Dyslexia. Nairobi, Kenya — The Rare Gem Talent School in Kenya is revolutionizing education for students with dyslexia, adopting a unique approach that focuses on hands-on learning and individualized attention.
The school, which opened in 2012, has grown from a small group of learners to accommodate over 210 students, most of whom have dyslexia or other learning challenges.
At Rare Gem, teachers employ structured literacy methods and a multi — sensorial approach to education, using sights, sounds, and tactile objects to facilitate learning.
According to Teacher Dorothy Kioko, this method allows students to grasp complex concepts through step — by-step instruction, in contrast to traditional lecture-style teaching. “Most parents do not understand that their learners need a lot of support, “Kioko explains. “.
So they may come with a lot of expectations from the learner, which may put pressure on the learner.
So that is the first challenge.”Phyllis Munyi, the founder of Rare Gem, says early identification and intervention are crucial. “.
If they are identified early and intervention is given early, they improve their skills, they actually learn to identify their talents, and they find they complete school, “she says.
Despite Kenya’s success in increasing access to education, students with disabilities are often left behind. So They Can, a nonprofit focused on improving education access in Africa, reports that while 11.
4% of Kenyan children have special needs, only 250,000 are enrolled in educational institutions.
The school’s curriculum is a version of Kenya’s core curriculum adapted to meet the needs of students with dyslexia and other challenges. Tuition fees at Rare Gem are $180 per term, significantly less than high-end private schools but still higher than government schools attended by most Kenyan children.
Geoffrey Karani, an art teacher and former student at Rare Gem, acknowledges the stigma associated with dyslexia.
Officials commented on the matter. “Coming to this school, all of that changed.”.
The success of Rare Gem Talent School may serve as a model for improving education access for students with disabilities in Kenya and beyond.
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Source: Original article on the transformational approach to dyslexia education at Rare Gem Talent School, Kenya.
