In the heart of Western Kenya, in Kakamega County, a rainforest region known for its rich wildlife and raw beauty, a quiet but powerful change is happening for children who learn differently. At the centre of it all is Geoffrey Ashiono, a dedicated educator and Director of a maths centre with three tutoring branches across the county.
For many children in this region, dyslexia is misunderstood. By the time they are nine or ten, most have left school, labelled as “lazy,” and often punished at home and at school. The truth is, they are dyslexic and in need of support, not punishment. Geoffrey is changing that reality. He is bringing training, resources, and understanding to parents, tutors, and schools, offering these children hope where there was once despair.
A Global Collaboration
This work does not stand alone. Alongside my colleague Rachel Barwell (Master of Dyslexia) and myself at Growing Choices, Geoffrey is part of a growing, international collaboration. Together we are connected with the Whole Dyslexic Society (WDS) in Canada, who manage funds and tax systems across borders. Volunteers from across the world also lend their skills:
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Richard Whitehead, Davis Director of the UK & Ireland, and Africa
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Axel Gudmundsson from Iceland now based in the UK helps train facilitators.
- Sue Hall founder of The Whole Dyslexic Society (WDS) Charity of Canada
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Laura in Canada (WDS) wrote Geoffrey’s award submission.
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Francisca Adagbon in Nigeria edited his video.
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Rachel in New Zealand and I coordinated across time zones.
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Our VA, Shaireen in the Philippines posted updates online.
It is, quite simply, a global team effort, powered by volunteers with a shared belief in brighter futures for dyslexic learners.
The Nairobi Conference
A few weeks ago, I spotted news of a dyslexia conference in Nairobi. With pooled support, we were able to cover Geoffrey’s bus fare, conference fees, and accommodation.
The journey proved to be extraordinary. Geoffrey not only attended but also connected with remarkable people:
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Daniel Kamanga, a Kenyan leader based in South Africa, met him over tea and arrowroot.
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Dr. Senator Isaac Mwaura, an education spokesperson, shared that Kenya does have a dyslexia policy, but no real resources or clarity on how to implement it. He encouraged Geoffrey to write a book.
Geoffrey also shared his grassroots work with dyslexic children. His words struck a chord, showing what is possible when commitment meets collaboration.
Humanity Flourishing Award
From this moment came something we hadn’t expected: Geoffrey’s name was put forward for the Humanity Flourishing Award. This international honour recognises those who bring hope and transformation to their communities.
The application itself was a story of collaboration across timezones. Geoffrey recorded a video of his work, which Francisca edited in Nigeria. It was then passed along from Kenya to New Zealand, to me, and finally to Laura in Canada for submission. All of this happened against a tight deadline, but the effort was worth it.
Yesterday, Geoffrey shared the exciting news: he is now a FINALIST for the Humanity Flourishing Award, chosen from applicants around the world.
This was the first part of the letter from the Humanity Flourishing Award people:
To Geoffrey Ashiono:
“We are thrilled to inform you that you have been selected as a Finalist for the 2025 Humanity Flourishing Prize!
This year’s pool of nominees was extraordinary, and your advancement to the final round speaks powerfully about the impact and promise of your work. The selection committee was especially impressed by your inspiring commitment to children with dyslexia in Kenya, and your success in building a global support network. Your use of the Davis Method is breaking down barriers to learning and giving children a new future.
The holder of this badge is a finalist for the 2025 Humanity Florishing Prize, honoring those whose vision and actions extended beyond solving today’s problem, actually creating pathways by which humanity may flourish, rippling across generations to come.
A Moment to Celebrate
This recognition is more than an award. It is a light shining on the children of Kakamega who, for too long, have been left behind. It honours Geoffrey’s dedication, the resilience of families, and the power of volunteers across the globe who believe that learning differences are not barriers, but pathways to unique strengths.
📖 Read more about Geoffrey’s journey here: Geoffrey’s Journey to the Nairobi Conference
🎥 Watch his story on YouTube: Geoffrey’s Video
This is only the beginning. Together, we can keep building hope and opportunities for children who learn differently in Kakamega and beyond.