From 21st to 23rd January, Ignatius Kweyu, Senior Manager, Programs at eKitabu, attended Research on Scaling the Impact of Innovation in Education (ROSIE)— a three-day gathering convening in Dakar, Senegal, that brought together more than 30 focal point persons from research projects funded by the International Development Research Centre’s Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (IDRC-KIX). Organized in collaboration with the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution and the ROSIE team, the convening was more than an event; it was a moment of connection, reflection, building relationships, and purpose.

The ROSIE community is a global initiative dedicated to understanding how education innovations can grow sustainably and equitably. At the convening, eKitabu joined interactive workshops, discussions, and social activities designed to build a learning community. ‘We explored how to scale our innovation, which is “Scaling Sign Language-Rich Environment” in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) with Deaf learners in Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi; therefore, creating a lasting impact.’ shared by Ignatius.

One key observation from the convening is that few projects are currently conducting research on education for learners with disabilities—or, more broadly, persons with disabilities. This realization reinforced our commitment to advocate for inclusivity in scaling education innovations. Scaling must mean reaching all learners, not just the majority.

The convening was an opportunity to share eKitabu’s work on the Sign Language-Rich Environment research project, which we are conducting in Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi. This project focuses on generating evidence and knowledge, ensuring that Deaf learners are engaging with a learning environment that is accessible.

The outcomes carried forward from Senegal are clear:

• A stronger community of practice with colleagues across the ROSIE Learning Community.
• Shared knowledge and strategies for scaling innovations sustainably.
• A renewed call to ensure disability-inclusive education is central to research and practice.

Sustainability in scaling requires inclusivity, and scaling education innovations must adapt to local contexts while holding true to the principle of equity.

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