THE FUTURE FEELS LIKE PLAY: WHAT’S NEXT FOR LEGO BRAILLE BRICKS IN AFRICA?

By Nadia Muthoni | Edited by Makori Ongechi | KISE MEDIA

Imagine a classroom where learning feels like play, where children with visual impairments unlock the magic of literacy and numeracy through the simple joy of building. This isn’t a dream, it’s the reality being shaped by the LEGO Braille Bricks initiative, a groundbreaking project that’s making waves across Eastern and Southern Africa.

On August 26, 2025, a transformative workshop at the Kenya Institute of Special Education in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together educators, UNICEF, and the LEGO Foundation to celebrate progress and plan an even brighter future which supports Inclusive education.

The story began in Uganda, Burundi, and Madagascar and now Kenya where the LEGO Braille Bricks (LBB) project has already sparked a revolution. These specially designed bricks, blending tactile learning with play-based fun, have enhanced literacy and numeracy skills while fostering inclusive classrooms. Now, the initiative is expanding to Kenya, marking a significant milestone! August 26th 2025, the Nairobi workshop united key stakeholders to share success stories, exchange lessons, and strategize for a region-wide rollout.

In Kenya, the transition to a Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has set the stage for inclusion, emphasizing learner-centered teaching. KISE taking lead in Kenya and the region in developing innovative approaches that make education accessible, equitable and inclusive for all learners. The LEGO Braille Bricks fit perfectly into this vision, empowering children with visual impairments to achieve academic success and thrive in society.

Over the past year, The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), with support from UNICEF and Hapag-Lloyd, has trained teachers in six pilot counties, introducing LBB as a tool for literacy, numeracy, and pre-Braille skills. A recent functional assessment even mapped out needs, paving the way for targeted interventions.

The Nairobi workshop isn’t just about Kenya, it’s a platform for collaboration. Delegates from Uganda, Burundi, and Madagascar shared their journeys, from challenges faced to strategies that worked while evaluating areas to improve on. Plans are underway to roll out LBB to more counties in Kenya’s second year, creating sustainable teacher support systems and resource hubs with the goal to make education truly inclusive across the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR).

Does this mean, a Future of Hope?

With unwavering support from UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, and Hapag-Lloyd, this movement is gaining momentum. The LEGO Braille Bricks journey is a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets compassion and these champions change proving that every child can learn, grow, and succeed.