Dyslexia International at World Teachers Day, UNESCO, October 2013

This event has been celebrated every year since 2009 in Paris where ministries of education from all of UNESCO’s member states are represented. 

André Poncelet, founder member of DI, accompanied by Badia Lel Bachiri, attended the presentations in the main hall whilst members of our team organized our stand. The theme on 4 October 2013 was ‘World Citizenship’.

Highlights included: presentation about the second World Dyslexia Forum in Brazil in 2014; ‘GraphoGame’; and information for ministries.

One of our handouts was 'What makes a good teacher?' written by a teacher at Highsted School, Kent. 

A child playing ‘GraphoGame’ on a tablet

‘GraphoGame’ is evidence-based software developed by a team led by Professor Heikki Lyttinen in Finland who is also a member of our Scientific Advisory Panel. Freely available on the web in an increasing number of languages, it teaches students how to make letter-sound conversions. It is being used for research purposes in several other languages including Kiswahili, Nyanjaa and Afrikaans.

Our messages to ministries stated that we train teachers to help all students – primary, secondary and adult – to learn to read and write. Our materials are evidence-based and draw on latest research in structured, multisensory teaching.

Dyslexia International’s site is in English and French. We are building Departments in Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. The online course is available in Portuguese thanks to Professor Angela Pinheiro.

Angela is Chair of the Steering Committee for the Second World Dyslexia 2014 taking place in Brazil. She met Judith Sanson, DI Chair of the Board of Directors, to discuss practical and promotional matters about the Forum, which is at an advanced state of preparation.  

Teacher training in Ghana

TEACHER TRAINING IN GHANA

ANNOUNCEMENT: 30 September 2013

BEST PRACTICE IN TEACHING READING AND WRITING TO ALL STUDENTS                 

                                                                                           

This October 2013, from Monday 7^th to Saturday 12^th, Professor Linda Siegel, a leading expert in reading and writing disabilities from the University of British Columbia Canada and member of the Dyslexia International (DI) Scientific Advisory Panel, will visit Ghana.

UNESCO National Commission staff in collaboration with Dyslexia International Honorary Regional ambassador, Dr Daniel Ofori of the University of Ghana, Legon, have put in place a plan whereby training will take place in the University of Education, Winneba, thanks to the kind welcome and collaboration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Asabere Ameyaw, Dr Samuel Hayford and his colleagues, and also to the Director General of the Ghana Education Service, Ms Naana Biney.

Professor Siegel will focus on latest research into teaching literacy to all students, including students who have specific difficulties with reading and writing. She will supply materials for teaching literacy, and a print-out copy of the Dyslexia International online teacher training for each participant for their review and discussion.

Professor Siegel looks forward to working closely with those concerned at the University of Education Winneba, and also the Director General of the Ghana Education Service, about the relevance and long-term benefits of introducing Dyslexia International’s free online teacher training materials into Ghanaian national and regional teacher training programmes and future liaison.

Professor Siegel’s visit is co-funded by UNESCO Participation Programme, and supported by the UNESCO National Commission Ghana, and the Australian High Commission Ghana’s Direct Aid Programme. 

Highest commendations are due to Dr Daniel Ofori, DI Honorary Regional ambassador for his generous commitment and exemplary project management.

As early as 23 March 2011, H.E. Yaw Konadu Yiadom, Ghanaian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium in Brussels, acknowledged the significant benefits of the DI’s Open Educational Resources.  It was agreed that DI would be responsible for both training and providing materials in teaching literacy.  Writing in September 2011 he said ‘I am pleased to inform you that the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Education Service have accepted to collaborate with Dyslexia International for Ghana to be used as a model for language and study skills for the dyslexic in Africa.’    

                                   

Dyslexia International (DI), an NGO in consultative status partnership with UNESCO, is currently responding to requests for educational training and materials supplied free of charge in many countries.   Working with policy makers and practitioners, 10% of the population with specific learning difficulties with reading and writing are now being taught to read effectively by teachers trained in how to address specific learning needs.   Our short YouTube at  http://tinyurl.com/p8umjjt

Contact: Amy at Dyslexia International UK +44 208 947 1147 office@dyslexia-international.org