Inaugural Graduation of Dyslexia Advocate Fellows Unites and Inspires the Continent of Africa

On the evening of Saturday, 27th April 2024, the Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO) marked a historic milestone with the graduation of its first cohort of Dyslexia Advocates. This inaugural ceremony celebrated the culmination of the Africa Dyslexia Advocate Fellowship program, an initiative designed to equip advocates across the continent with the tools to address educational disparities faced by individuals with dyslexia. The virtual event connected participants from over 24 African countries, showcasing a diverse tapestry of cultures united under a single cause.

The event commenced with an energizing welcome from host Pearlyn Budu , Project Lead at ADO, who encouraged participants to proudly represent their nations in the chat. This roll call transformed into a vibrant parade of flags, fostering a sense of pan-African unity. "Tonight, we celebrate not just individual achievements but a collective stride towards inclusivity and understanding in education," Pearlyn announced, setting the tone for the evening.

Founded in 2020 by Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey , who was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 30 and began her reading journey at 17, ADO has become a pivotal force in dyslexia advocacy and education. Pearlyn shared the organization’s journey, noting its impressive reach of over 10 million people through media outreaches, workshops, and collaborations with educational institutions and governments. "Our efforts have not only spread awareness but have also sparked systemic changes in how dyslexia is perceived and addressed," she stated.

Dr. Karen Wilson , a renowned clinical neuropsychologist, delivered a compelling keynote address. She emphasized the transformative impact of educational support for individuals with learning differences. "Empathy and understanding in educational settings can unlock the tremendous potential of those with dyslexia," she explained, highlighting the essential role of trained advocates in fostering these environments

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of 56 graduates who successfully completed the fellowship program criteria, selected from a competitive pool of over 400 applicants from across 32 African countries. This program, comprising intensive training sessions and workshops, aimed to deepen the understanding of dyslexia and develop advocacy skills to support inclusive education. "Each graduate here tonight has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and is ready to champion the cause of dyslexia in their communities," Rosalin remarked with pride.

Personal testimonials from the advocates brought the ceremony to life, with each sharing poignant reflections on how the fellowship had enlightened and empowered them. "This training has not just educated us; it has transformed us into catalysts for change," one graduate shared, echoing the sentiments of many others.

The ceremony was interspersed with musical performances that echoed the themes of journey and aspiration. Songs with lyrics like "Heaven knows where we are going, but we know we will get there," symbolically mirrored the advocates’ ongoing quest to promote understanding and change.

The event closed with the presentation of certificates and a powerful call to action from Rosalin. She urged the new graduates to leverage their newfound knowledge and skills to initiate real-world changes. "Let this be just the beginning of your advocacy journey. Lead with knowledge, compassion, and the conviction to make a difference," she inspired.

The inaugural graduation of the Africa Dyslexia Advocate Fellows was not just a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of ADO’s commitment to continuing the fight against the misconceptions surrounding dyslexia. With a new generation of empowered advocates ready to challenge stereotypes and advocate for inclusive education, the future looks promising. The graduates, now ambassadors of change, are poised to ensure that intelligence is never underestimated because of learning differences, heralding a new era of understanding and support for dyslexia across Africa. #ADAFGrad24

Check out the graduation ceremony on ADO's youtube channel.

Written by Dansowaa Sanaa?