The Kakamega Project team was delighted that Geoffrey attended the Dyslexia Rising Africa Conference 2025 in Nairobi. He traveled safely to and from the city, and his stay was comfortable. But the stories, experiences, and connections he made left the deepest impression.
Listening to Learners
Geoffrey felt most moved by learners who shared their experiences with dyslexia. They described how hard school had been. Some teachers called them lazy, stupid, or thick-headed. Some students even faced punishment. Parents often cried when they talked about children being pushed out of school for lowering the mean score. These stories reminded Geoffrey why supporting learners with dyslexia matters so much.
This is one of Geoffrey’s learners at his tutoring centre in Kakamega who is learning to read using the Davis Methods: his comprehension is soaring!
A Bigger Picture
A short video at the conference highlighted a wider issue. Across Africa, millions of brilliant minds face barriers, not because they lack intelligence, but because schools do not recognize their unique ways of learning. Conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD affect up to 1 in 10 people. Many learners go undiagnosed, misunderstood, and unsupported.
The conference gathered educators, policymakers, researchers, and advocates from across Africa. Its goal was clear: with the right support, students with learning differences can thrive. These students often display creativity, resilience, and innovation.
Learning and Sharing
Geoffrey discovered that many facilitators had never heard of Davis Learning Strategies. The conference focused more on stories than tools, but Geoffrey realized that his strategies could make a real difference for learners across Africa.
He also shared his work in Kakamega, helping children with reading and mathematics. Attendees expressed their admiration. A government officer even encouraged him to write a book on his methods. The Ministry could approve the book and distribute it to teachers and parents at future conferences.
Connections and Impact
Geoffrey made new friends and built connections he hopes to maintain.
The Nairobi conference went beyond being an event. It started a movement to raise awareness, improve systems, and unlock Africa’s hidden genius. For Geoffrey, it offered a chance to learn, share, and grow. The experience strengthened his commitment to helping learners reach their full potential.
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Acknowledging The Kakamega Project team: Geoffrey Ashiono, Math E-Zee tutoring Centre (Kakamega, W. Kenya); Claire Ashmore, Growing Choices with Dyslexia (Cambridge, NZ); Rachel Barwell, Master Dyslexia (Kapiti Coast, NZ).
Proudly supported by The Whole Dyslexic Society (WDS) in Canada. In particular, thank you and appreciation for Sue Hall and Laura O’Neill who saw and embraced the vision of what could be possible.
Acknowledging our Determination as we negotiated each small and often unknown step and now our Transformation as learners of all ages in Kakamega are gaining access to tools and strategies to resolve dyslexic confusion while supporting the growth of dyslexic thinking gifts.
Dyslexia is a perceptual talent with learning differences.
Davis Methods are working in Kakamega!