Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, in conjunction with the University of Jyväskylä (JYU)-Finland, has developed an implementation plan for the European Union-funded AAN-DI project. The action plan was designed during a three-day Workshop, which took place at the Golf Hotel-Kakamega, from 10th to 12th February, 2025. The event, facilitated by the Principal Investigator (PI)-Dr. Susannah Otieno Leppänen of JYU, brought together researchers from the School of Education (SEDU) to discuss the project’s work package deliverables, including the creation of an e-handbook for neurodivergent individuals. The Workshop was officially opened by the Dean-SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi, who is also a member of the project.
“I would like to applaud researchers from the School of Education for being committed to this course, and urge you all to continue in the same vein in order to bring the AAN-DI project to fruition,” said Prof. Poipoi, pointing out that digital transformation for neurodiversity inclusion is something that is unique and a game changer in the society.
Dr. Leppänen makes a presentation during the AAN-DI planning Workshop at the Golf Hotel-Kakamega.
As stated by Dr. Leppänen, the main objective of the AAN-DI project is to promote digital inclusion for neurodivergent individuals. “To facilitate the implementation of the project, we have developed five work packages. The first work package focuses on the coordination and management of the project, the second one is on digital well-being and inclusion, the third one is on digital competencies, the fourth one is on digital sustainability, while work package five is on impact and dissemination,” she revealed, adding that this particular Workshop concentrated on work packages 2 and 5. Emphasizing the need to raise neurodiversity awareness, Dr. Leppänen called on organizations and learning institutions to establish frameworks for neurodivergent individuals in order for them to feel included.
MMUST’s PI in the AAN-DI Project, Dr. Edward Khasakhala, at the Workshop.
“We intend to develop digital tools as well as handbooks, in a bid to help people with neurodiversity to overcome the challenges that they face in their workplaces, schools, homes and social spaces,” said MMUST’s PI in the AAN-DI Project, Dr. Edward Khasakhala, during an interview with DCCM. He added that the event was a follow up of the project kick off Workshop, held at the Ciala Resort-Kisumu. On his part, the University Co-PI, Prof. Kennedy Bota, reiterated that the e-handbook will be the ultimate output of the project. “We are determined to ensure that neurodivergent individuals are included, not only in the physical and social environment, but also in the digital space,” stated Prof. Bota.
Prof. Kennedy Bota speaks at the event.
The ‘Digital Transformation for NeuroDiversity Inclusion in Africa and Asia (AAN-DI)’ project consists of six (6) consortium beneficiaries and more than ten (10) associated partners. The 6 organizations are; JYU, MMUST, University of Valencia-Spain, Great Lakes University Kisumu (GLUK), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and University of Kashmir (KU). The AAN-DI project is aimed at championing self-reliance for neurodivergent individuals, using adapted digital tools that support their professional skills, mental health, wellbeing, and their neurodivergent needs.
At MMUST, the members of the project include Prof. Peter Odera, Prof. Moses Poipoi, Prof. Kennedy Bota, Dr. Edward Khasakhala, Dr. Manson Sichari, Dr. Godfrey Ayaga, Dr. Bill Ouda, Dr. Joel Ogutu, Dr. Eunice Majanga, Dr. Pamela Buhere and Dr. Fredrick Matofari.
