PROMOTING STEM EDUCATION AMONG� DEAF STUDENTS IN KENYA

Presented by:

Renalda Mwanyuma – Education Program Manager,

Peace Corps, Kenya

Oct 2, 2024

DESIGN TIP:

Do you want to change this image?

The background image on this slide is located on the Slide Master Page.

​

The Peace Corps has provided a selection of Title Slide images to choose from.

​

Select “Slide Master” from the “View” tab menu at the top of your screen and choose from one of the options provided.

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Agenda

• Introduction

​

• Background

​

• Statistics

​

• The challenge

​

• Proposed interventions

​

• Q & A

​

2

DESIGN TIP:

Do you want to change this image?

Click the photo and push delete. A photo placeholder will appear. Click the icon in the middle and select a photo from your files. Your photo will fill the space.

​

If you need to adjust the photo, click the photo and select crop picture. Move the photo side to side, but make sure it still fills the rounded rectangle shape.

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Introduction

Peace Corps Kenya Programming

• In Kenya, schools for the Deaf are mostly mainstream schools separate from “regular” schools – “Special schools”
• Peace Corps Kenya currently works with primary schools for the Deaf to promote early childhood literacy learning and Kenya Sign Language (KSL) acquisition.
• Currently, Peace Corps works in 6 counties in the eastern and Nyanza regions of Kenya
• Peace Corps volunteers work with local counterparts to develop strategies to teach young Deaf learners, adapting the curriculum, develop teaching and learning materials, and KSL development.

​

​

​

3

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

4

MAP OF KENYA

WHERE PEACE CORPS IS PRESENT

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Background

Why are we here…

• 2019 - 100% Transition policy from primary to secondary schools by the government of Kenya
• Increased enrollment in secondary schools for the Deaf, and increased demand for teachers in these schools – Data on next slide
• Teacher shortages are common in the few existing schools, especially in math/science subjects
• Deaf students perform below average in STEM subjects in secondary schools, leading to lower career progression in this area

​

5

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Statistics on Deaf Education

• The National Pre-primary Education Policy (2018) emphasizes equity and inclusion for learners with special needs.
• Following the roll out of 100 per cent transition policy in 2019 primary to secondary transition rates have increased from 83.3 per cent in 2018 to 95 per cent by the first quarter (Q1) of 2020.
• In 2021, Kenya had 17 Special secondary schools for the Deaf and 24 integrated secondary schools for the Deaf in Kenya

Sources:

1. National Survey on Children with Disabilities and Special Needs in Education, by the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)
2. Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis
3. Kenya Ministry of Education

​

​

​

​

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

The challenge

• Lack of adequate technical signs vocabulary for teaching math and Science subjects
• Deaf students have a challenge understanding abstract concepts in Math/Science subjects
• Inadequate STEM teaching and learning resources adapted for Deaf learners
• Inadequate opportunities for students’ exposure to practical application of math/science concepts and experiential learning
• Curriculum and assessment that is not adapted for Deaf students leading to below average scores in these subjects and limited progression to careers and the world of work

​

7

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Proposed Interventions

8

DESIGN TIP:

Want to change this image?

The background image on this slide is located on the Slide Master Page.

​

The Peace Corps has provided a selection of Section Title Slide images to choose from.

​

Select “Slide Master” from the “View” tab menu at the top of your screen and choose from one of the options provided.

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

The Approach

• Development of Math and science signs in KSL, which will be documented and shared with teachers and students in Kenyan Secondary schools for the Deaf
• Development of audio-visual resources that will ensure available signs are harmonized across schools, and development of non-existing signs
• Incorporating Artwork and illustrations in existing teaching and learning resources to help explain abstract concepts
• Integrate technology use in teaching and learning experience

​

9

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace Corps Kenya Strategy

• Volunteer Placement in secondary schools for the Deaf
• Collaboration with other partners to develop, document and harmonize Math/Science signs.
• Audio-visual materials development to record these signs, and additional math/science content that will be used in teaching abstract concepts.

​

​

• Dissemination of resources to secondary schools for the Deaf for teachers and students to use
• Piloting in a few schools in areas where Peace Corps volunteers serve, and scaled up to others
• Teacher training in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to train teachers in the new math/science signs & using audio visual materials to enhance the teaching and learning experience

​

10

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

We must all work to advance equity and inclusion��- Peace Corps Ethos

At Peace Corps we believe…

11

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Q & A

12

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors

Thank You

13

Peace

Corps

Colors

Peace

Corps

Colors