Likoni School For the Visually Impaired

Key Impact Summary

Since 15 September 2017, inABLE has partnered with The Salvation Army Likoni School for the Visually Impaired to expand access to inclusive digital learning for learners who are blind or have low vision. Through assistive technology, accessible devices, screen-reader training, coding, and teacher support, the program is enabling learners to access education more equitably, build greater independence, and develop skills for future learning, employment, and leadership. Since its launch, the program has reached 1,633 learners, including 178 who are currently enrolled.

About Likoni School

The Salvation Army Likoni School for the Visually Impaired is a boarding primary school located in Likoni, Mombasa County. Established in 1965 by The Salvation Army in collaboration with the Kenya Society for the Blind, the school was created to provide accessible education, Braille instruction, vocational skills, and independent-living support for learners with visual impairments who had limited educational opportunities. Today, the school serves learners with visual impairment and low vision, with 178 learners currently enrolled.

The inABLE Program at Likoni

inABLE introduced the digital skills and Assistive Technology Lab program at Likoni School on 15 September 2017. The program equips learners aged 4 – 27 with practical computer literacy, screen reader skills, digital communication, internet navigation, accessible learning tools, and exposure to coding, including Python, HTML, and CSS. Learners use Chromebooks and assistive technologies such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, keyboard shortcuts, and speech-to-text tools to access learning materials, complete assignments, conduct research, and participate in classroom activities.

Program Reach and Measurable Impact

The program’s reach reflects both sustained participation and practical investment in accessible digital learning at Likoni School.

• 1,633 learners have participated in the program since its launch.
• 178 learners are currently participating in the program.
• 176 teachers have been trained or supported through the program.
• 106 Chromebooks have been deployed to support accessible digital learning.
• 3,976.2 hours of digital skills training have been delivered.
• Learners from pre-primary, stage-based classes, lower and upper primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary participate in the program.
• Each grade receives approximately three to four digital learning lessons per week.

Summary of Key Results

• Improved digital literacy: Learners are building practical skills in computer use, keyboard navigation, internet research, file management, and assistive technologies such as ChromeVox.
• Greater access to learning: Learners can access digital content, Google Classroom, YouTube learning resources, Kenya Education Cloud, and AI-supported tools such as Gemini with greater independence.
• Technology-enabled assessments: Likoni has supported accessible, technology-based examinations, including KNEC piloting and candidates taking examinations using Chromebooks and Google Classroom.
• Pathways to achievement: Learners have used digital tools to strengthen academic performance, including examples of high achievement in national examinations.
• Peer mentorship: Older learners support younger learners by helping them build typing, keyboard navigation, and foundational digital skills.

Why This Program Matters

For many learners with visual impairments, access to printed materials, computers, and digital learning resources can be limited. The inABLE program helps bridge this gap by giving learners the tools, training, and confidence to participate more fully in education. By integrating assistive technology into classroom learning, learners can move beyond dependence on printed or Braille-only resources and access information, assignments, research, and assessments in more inclusive and flexible ways.

Beyond the Classroom

The impact of the program extends beyond computer lessons. Digital skills are helping learners build confidence, independence, and readiness for future opportunities in higher education, employment, leadership, and community participation. Likoni has also become a learning site for inclusive education practice, with engagement from organizations such as KNEC, international schools, and universities interested in assistive technology, digital learning, and accessible assessment models.