Ayrshire, Scotland, UK-based Dyslexia Ambassador Mark Stoddart is set to make a significant impact in Kenya as he launches dyslexic testing kits and a comprehensive five-day structured literacy course. Known for his artistic talents and commitment to giving back, Stoddart's visit to Kenya from June 3rd to June 15th, 2023, aims to empower educators and students with dyslexia and other neurodiverse learning profiles.
Stoddart, an adult with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysplasia, has been internationally recognized for his art and design work. Through the sales and auctions of his sculptures, he has dedicated himself to making a positive difference in the world. In Kenya, his contributions have played a significant role in the construction of the Magnificent Rare Gem Talent School in Kitengela, which caters specifically to students with dyslexia and other learning challenges such as dyscalculia and ADHD.
During his visit, Stoddart will introduce dyslexic testing kits and a magic blending book to selected schools across Kenya. These resources will assist in identifying and supporting students with dyslexia, enabling early intervention and tailored educational approaches.
Moreover, Stoddart will launch a five-day structured literacy course designed to enhance educators' skills in supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences. The course will include a four-day on-campus training at the Rare Gem Talent School, as well as a seminar open to Kenyan teachers, government officials, university professors, and interested parties. It will focus on speech-to-print phonics methods, comprehension skill-building, Brain Frame Note-taking, and other innovative strategies rooted in neuroscience.
The structured literacy course will be led by Kate McElderry, M.A., an educational consultant and international teacher trainer at the Odyssey School in Maryland, USA. Collaborating with special education specialists in Kenya, McElderry has adapted the training materials to align with the local teaching and learning approaches. Fifty teachers are scheduled to participate in this transformative course, equipping them with valuable tools and techniques to implement in their classrooms.
Each attendee of the course, including teachers and government officials, will receive a Dyslexic Training Kit and a certificate of completion. These resources will serve as ongoing references to support their efforts in creating inclusive learning environments for students with dyslexia and other learning profiles.
Mark Stoddart's visit to Kenya represents a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to raise awareness and provide essential resources for students with dyslexia. By equipping teachers with the necessary skills and tools, the hope is to foster a more inclusive education system that recognizes and supports the unique needs of every learner.
As the launch of the dyslexic testing kits and structured literacy course unfolds, it is anticipated that this endeavor will pave the way for a brighter future for individuals with dyslexia and other learning differences across Kenya. The commitment and collaboration of Stoddart, McElderry, and the educational community in Kenya demonstrate the power of collective efforts to drive positive change and empower those who have been overlooked for far too long.