Braille Challenge and Inclusive Robotics Pilot Report

<jats:p>In May 2026, Clovernook Center for the Blind &amp; Visually Impaired, eKitabu, and ChipuRobo implemented the Braille Challenge and Inclusive Robotics Pilot across three Kenyan schools for the visually impaired—Thika Primary, Thika Secondary, and Likoni Primary. The pilot paired Africa's first Braille Challenge with hands-on robotics to demonstrate that learners with visual impairments can participate in STEM when learning is intentionally accessible. It engaged 1,008 learners in the Braille Challenge, 45 in Inclusive Robotics (all first-time participants), 164 teachers, and four partner organizations; each school received a robotics kit. Findings show Braille literacy thrives when celebrated, visually impaired learners readily engage in STEM given accommodations, and teachers are central to sustainability but need professional development. Limitations—single-day delivery, limited reach, and an implementation focus—inform recommendations to expand to more schools, strengthen teacher capacity, establish clubs, invest in accessible resources, deepen partnerships, and build a robust MERL framework.</jats:p>