Welcome to today's episode, where we turn the spotlight to dyslexia awareness and advocacy, featuring the remarkable journey of Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey. Rosalin's story is nothing short of inspiring as she navigates her own experience with dyslexia to become an advocate for change for dyslexic individuals across Africa and beyond. From struggling in academics to finding her passion in culinary school, Rosalin's personal journey highlights the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity. 

Through her organization, the Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), Rosalin is making an impact on dyslexia awareness, advocacy, and support. However, there are many barriers, including societal beliefs in African countries and lack of teacher resources. In this episode, Rosalin shares her own struggles and triumphs with dyslexia, including the pivotal moments that brought dyslexia to her own awareness and understanding. Rosalin's dedication to raising awareness and providing essential tools for educators and parents is truly inspiring and much needed in a world where dyslexia continues to be misunderstood.

Show Notes:

• [2:35] - Rosalin always struggled in academics and knew from a young age that she was different. She explains why she has dedicated her life to dyslexia advocacy.
• [5:27] - Due to her struggles, Rosalin was not permitted to take exams to move forward into high school in Ghana.
• [7:10] - Rosalin chose to go to culinary school and this was a turning point for her. It was the first time she was in an environment where she loved to learn.
• [9:12] - She describes the first time a school administrator told her something positive. This turned her life around.
• [11:58] - As an adult, Rosalin had an assessment done and discovered her dyslexia.
• [13:05] - In her travels across Africa, Rosalin has found that there is little to no understanding about dyslexia.
• [15:07] - Rosalin has dedicated her life to spreading awareness of dyslexia in African countries.
• [18:16] - Rosalin’s organization is taking steps to prevent the wasting of valuable talents among dyslexic individuals.
• [21:12] - Inclusivity is crucial. Students with dyslexia need the same opportunities and support to thrive.
• [23:01] - Teacher training and resources for educators is a huge focus for the Africa Dyslexia Organization.
• [24:50] - Reaching out to the Ministries of Education in different locations in Africa is very difficult. Rosalin describes some of the barriers the organization faces.
• [26:39] - This is a global problem. There are people who are neurodivergent everywhere that need to understand the way they learn.
• [29:24] - Even with resources and awareness in the United States, students still fall behind and continue to face barriers to quality education and support.

About Our Guest:

Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey Rosalin is an unwavering advocate for dyslexic individuals and the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), non-profit organization is dedicated to raising awareness, advocacy, providing essential educational tools to teachers and parents, and offering support for individuals grappling with dyslexia and related learning disabilities.

Rosalin holds an MSc in International Hospitality Management from Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland. She is Walt Disney Hospitality Leadership Fellow and currently a Lead Consultant at iQ Mundo and Country Rep for Swiss Education Group in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Her multifaceted expertise and her commitment to inclusive education position her as a beacon of hope, igniting positive change for dyslexic individuals across Africa.

Connect with Rosalin:

• Email: [email protected]
• Africa Dyslexia Website

Links and Related Resources:

• Register for Our Self-Paced Dyslexia Mini Course
• Dyslexia
• Episode 37: Literacy - A Social Justice Issue with Resha Conroy
• Episode 36: Empowering Professionals and Caregivers to Improve the Lives of Children Around the World with Sandy Dorsey
• Episode 111: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing the Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz

Connect with Us:

• Get on our Email List
• Book a Consultation
• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.