Visionary learning through technology

Approximately 26.3 million people in the African region have visual impairment, with 20.4 million having low vision and 5.9 million estimated to be blind. Among them, about 19 million children under 15 years old are visually impaired (WHO), and less than 10% of these children have access to formal education(World Bank). Even for those who manage to enroll in school, many face obstacles such as inaccessible learning materials, leading to a significant dropout rate.

Over the years, there has been a persistent exclusion of children with disabilities from education in African countries. Only 2% of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have education laws that are inclusive to all learners. In Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Uganda, only a small percentage of the total number of students with visual impairments enrolled in education were attending secondary schools (5.2%, 13.8%, 8.5%, and 9.2% respectively), indicating that significant numbers of children in these countries are not transitioning from primary to secondary education, as reported by the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report in 2020. Inaccessible learning materials, lack of teacher support, and related barriers significantly contribute to the disability gaps observed in educational attainment among visually impaired individuals. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensure that children with visual impairments have equal access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive academically.

ICEVI Africa has adopted a visionary learning strategy to integrate technology into the education of individuals with visual impairments. It comprises three key pillars – Kit, Content, and Confidence. This strategy aims to provide visually impaired learners with the necessary tools, instructional materials, and skills to navigate educational resources effectively.

ICEVI Africa proposes to create a Video documentary showcasing visionary learning success in Burkina Faso and Kenya. The documentary will serve as an advocacy tool, demonstrating the transformative impact of the visionary learning approach on inclusive education for visually impaired learners. The goal is to inspire other African countries to adopt and implement the Visionary Learning approach, while also providing support and guidance throughout the process.

‘Visionary Learning’ is a programmatic strategy developed by ICEVI and its partners to deploy technologies into the education of people with visual impairment. The strategy is built upon three pillars: Kit – the gadgets and devices that learners need to read and write; Content – the instructional materials that learners need in a range of accessible formats; Confidence – the skills and training that learners require to be able to use devices and learning resources confidently. Visionary Learning seeks to integrate these three pillars into a comprehensive strategy that facilitates multi-agency collaboration in the provision of quality education to learners with visual impairment through a shared goal. This strategy is particularly aimed at improving the quality of education for learners with visual impairment in Africa. 

Visionary learning strategy serves all the visually impaired learners in Africa by ensuring they are provided with the necessary tools, instructional materials, and skills to navigate educational resources effectively. Having accessible learning materials in schools will ensure that the visually impaired learners can read independently hence improving their learning outcomes and achieving their full potential. The video documentary will be used to engage state and non-state actors in the use of educational technologies to enhance access, retention, and transition of learners with visual impairment within the education system while promoting quality and inclusive education.

The team was involved in the development of the visionary learning strategy and led its implementation in Burkina Faso and Kenya. Our team has an extensive network of high-profile dedicated volunteers with experience and expertise in advocacy for individuals with visual impairment within the education sector, both locally and globally. Also, they have a deep understanding of relevant laws, policies, and international frameworks related to disability rights and inclusive education.

Additionally, the team is very passionate about education for visually impaired children with a strong belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for their future. The team is experienced in educational technologies and  assistive technologies for persons with visual Impairment. In addition, they have experience in the creation of accessible technologies and training on the use of the technologies.

The visionary learning approach was conceptualized 3 years ago by ICEVI with a multi-agency collaboration in the provision of quality education to learners with visual impairment through a shared goal. It was piloted and prototyped in 2 countries, Burkina Faso and Kenya. In Burkina Faso, through a partnership with an international development agency, ICEVI Africa facilitated its implementation in six schools across two cities, targeting 70 learners from April 2023 to March 2024. In  Kenya, a five-year project funded by the national government was launched in July 2023, amounting to over $3,000,000 and targeting to benefit over 5000 learners with visual impairment. For Kenya, this signifies a growth phase that demonstrates the scalability and potential impact of the Visionary Learning approach in improving the educational needs of visually impaired learners. Building on these achievements, ICEVI Africa is now focused on scaling and replicating the approach in several other African countries.

ICEVI Africa aims to replicate the Visionary learning approach across other African countries. To achieve this, ICEVI Africa proposes to create a video documentary of success stories showcasing the impact in Burkina Faso and Kenya. This documentary will be used during advocacy campaigns across African countries, encouraging the adoption of the visionary learning approach. To achieve this we require financial and non-financial support in:

1. Creation of the video documentary.

2. Expertise in the production of quality video content.

3. Expertise in digital media campaigns and publicity.

1. Comprehensive Approach- Visionary Learning addresses the education of individuals with visual impairments in a holistic manner by focusing on three key pillars: Kit, Content, and Confidence. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners have access to the necessary tools, instructional materials, and training to support their education effectively.

2. Technological Integration - Visionary Learning leverages technology to enhance educational opportunities for individuals with visual impairments. By providing access to gadgets, devices, and instructional materials in accessible formats, the program ensures that learners can engage with educational content in ways that suit their needs and preferences.

The visionary learning approach focuses on building learners' confidence in using technology and learning resources. By providing skills training and support, the approach aims to empower individuals with visual impairments to navigate their educational journey with confidence and independence.

The Visionary Learning approach aims to empower learners with visual impairments by providing them with essential tools, accessible instructional materials, and skills to navigate educational resources effectively. Through these activities, learners gain access to gadgets, devices, training, and educational resources tailored to their needs, enabling them to engage with educational content confidently. As a result, learners with visual impairments will actively participate in learning activities, leading to improved academic performance and increased engagement in school. Over time, this enhanced access to quality education will equip them with the skills and resources needed in the workforce, increasing their chances of employment opportunities, and earning income to improve their livelihood. Additionally, it will result in more independence, and a socially and economically inclusive society, which will result in reduced poverty among Africans who are visually impaired.

Impact goals:

1. 6 countries to be sensitized through targeted campaigns over 6 months.

2. 4 countries to demonstrate commitment to visionary learning within 1 year.

3. 2 new countries to implement the visionary learning approach in 2 years after the advocacy of the visionary learning approach.

4. 1000 Learners to benefit from the visionary learning approach in 3 years.

Measuring progress - Quantitative & Qualitative indicators:

1. The number of African countries that adopt the Visionary Learning approach.

2. The number of sensitizations conducted.

3. The number of beneficiaries. 

4. Level of improvements in academic performance, literacy rates, and school completion rates among learners with visual impairments in countries adopting the visionary learning strategy.

5. Rate of changes in education policies and legislation related to inclusive education.

At the center of the visionary learning approach is the creation,  distribution and utilization of accessible digital content for people with Visual Impairment. The visionary learning approach uses Bookshare for the distribution and access to accessible digital books. Bookshare is the world's largest online library for people with visual impairment, with a collection of 1.2 million titles available in over 50 languages and readable in 5 accessible formats. Bookshare is a product of Benetech, one of the ICEVI Africa partners in the visionary learning program. Through visionary learning, Bookshare is available for free to users in Africa. Countries implementing a visionary learning approach can create and distribute accessible books on Bookshare and also offer Bookshare memberships to their learners for free. Apart from serving the learners with Visual Impairment Bookshare can be used by persons with other print disabilities and without disabilities making it the ideal learning resource for all learners and within an inclusive setting.

5 volunteers and 1 contract staff

3 years

ICEVI Africa is committed to fostering diversity, minimizing barriers to opportunity, and promoting an inclusive environment for all team members. We actively engage with diverse individuals and organizations across Africa to build partnerships. We advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities,  human rights, and gender equity to promote equal opportunities.

After the video documentary is created it will be uploaded on ICEVI Africa website for access. In addition, it will be presented at conferences and other relevant forums as the opportunities arise.  Most importantly it shall be showcased during targeted advocacy activities with both government and non-governmental policy makers. The targeted audience will be able to access copies of the video for free.

This video documentary will be provided for free hence no revenue will be generated directly. However, revenue will be required for marketing the visionary learning approach using the documentary. The revenue will be generated from ICEVI Africa programs and partners. The success of the campaign and the adoption of the approach will also generate funds for the implementation of visionary learning.