Côte d'Ivoire: Strong Start for Children Who Are Deaf

For this project, called 'Strong Start for Children Who Are Deaf', Kentalis International Foundation continues to work with local Ivorian partner Réseau Ivoirien Pour la Promotion de l’Éducation Pour Tous (RIP-EPT). In RIP-EPT, we have found a strong and dedicated partner. RIP-EPT is a national network of teachers, policymakers, and education experts committed to improving access to education for all children in Côte d’Ivoire.

Both organizations share the vision of an inclusive, high-quality educational system in which every child, regardless of hearing status, can thrive. With only one specialized school for the Deaf in a country of nearly 31 million inhabitants, the need for early family support is immense. That is why we are collaborating on a train-the-trainer program that equips local social workers with the knowledge and skills to guide parents of deaf children.

This project makes use of our Parents Awareness Workshop, a training program that responds directly to the challenges faced by families. Over 90% of deaf children are born into hearing families, where hearing loss is often discovered late, and parents struggle with stigma, limited information, and communication barriers. By training social workers to support these parents, we enable families to build safe, language-rich environments from the very start of a child’s life.

Training Approach

In March 2026, the blended learning trajectory will begin. Ten selected social workers will start with e-learning modules, covering topics such as deafness, Deaf culture, causes of hearing loss, child development, and visual communication. Throughout the process, Kentalis International Foundation provides technical support and expert guidance.

Following the e-learning phase, two weeks of on-location training will take place in Côte d’Ivoire.

• The first week, social workers will be trained. Kentalis trainers and Deaf role models will provide a five-day intensive PAW course to the selected social workers, strengthening their skills.
• The second week, parents will be included. The newly trained social workers will deliver the PAW workshops themselves to a group of up to 25 parents of deaf children. This hands-on experience prepares the social workers to independently continue the program within their communities as 'community facilitators', supported by RIP-EPT’s existing outreach work.

This train-the-trainer structure ensures long-term sustainability and enables the program to reach families who are often excluded from support and information.

Expected Impact on Communities

Côte d’Ivoire faces high levels of undetected or untreated hearing loss, often due to limited healthcare access. Many children gradually lose their connection to family and education without anyone understanding why. By strengthening parents’ knowledge and communication skills, the PAW project helps prevent isolation, strengthens emotional bonds, and promotes early learning.