On Thursday 5th October during the International World Teachers Day, the eKitabu team trained 31 headteachers, deputy headteachers, senior teachers in Nairobi from different schools in mainstream and special needs in Kenya to address the gap in accessing content by applying the three Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to advance inclusive learning. eKitabu developed a UDL manual that was used as the main learning material during the training. Post-training, the teachers will continue to receive support in implementing the lessons learned. The three UDL principles included:

• The use of multiple means of engagement to recruit and sustain learners interest
• The use of multiple means of representation to convey knowledge in accessible forms
• The use of multiple means of action and expression to help learners internalize and actualize their learning

“UDL allows teachers to cover lessons planned successfully, make decisions based on learners' abilities, and eliminate lessons recovery. It allows learners to learn at their own pace with the help of the teacher, connecting every student to the learning experience regardless of their abilities.”Dorice Kachipela, Olympic Primary School teacher, Nairobi County.The objectives of the training

• Building confidence of teachers to integrate accessible digital content in their lessons
• Guide teachers on how to create lesson plans that incorporate UDL principles
• Work with the teachers to identify ways of integrating digital literacy in their classroom timetable

“Thank you to everyone who attended this UDL teacher training session. We acknowledge the work teachers are doing is hard, and we hope the UDL tools are beneficial to improving learning outcomes. The UDL training is a tool that helps teachers to apply the three UDL principles in teaching and learning in the classrooms. Looking forward to teachers' feedback from the UDL training.” Lilian Kibagendi, Project Manager, eKitabu.eKitabu UDL teacher training program is part of the Africa Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF) project, a four-year, USD 800,000 fund provided by Dubai Cares, a UAE-based global philanthropic organization, and administered by the IPA. The decision was to incentivize learning innovations to help African students pursue their education following the confinement measures imposed worldwide in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Around 190 countries had to close schools and universities, affecting more than 1.5 billion school-aged children – around 90% of the world’s student population.For more informationeKitabu plans for more training sessions in the coming months and you can find out more by contacting support@ekitabu.com