ELTE Excellence Fund Supports Groundbreaking Inclusive Education Initiative in Kenya
On January 19th, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved in international educational cooperation as Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) officially launched a three-month hybrid professional development program at Rongo University in Kenya. This initiative represents a crucial step in ELTE’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusive education across Africa.
A Collaborative Approach to Educational Development
The program is built upon digital curricula developed by the Faculty of the ELTE Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education. Through funding from the ELTE University Excellence Fund, this project brings together expertise from Hungarian special education professionals with local Kenyan educators to create sustainable change in the region’s educational landscape.
The training brings together 15 teachers from five local primary schools and one high-school teacher affiliated with the UBIN-ADAM Africa Foundation. These educators will receive formal certification upon successful completion of the program, marking a significant investment in professional development for Kenyan teachers.
Hybrid Learning Methodology
What makes this program particularly innovative is its hybrid approach to professional development. Participants engage with digital curricula at their own pace while receiving continuous support from Bárczi experts. The program combines in-person and online lectures delivered by Rongo University faculty with ongoing process-following support from ELTE specialists.
This methodology ensures that teachers can balance their professional development with their regular teaching responsibilities while still receiving comprehensive training in inclusive education practices.
Building on Four Years of Partnership
This training represents a vital milestone in a systematic, four-year school development initiative conducted by ELTE Faculty experts in collaboration with the ADRA Hungary Foundation and the UBIN-ADAM Africa Foundation. The current course builds upon years of mutual professional visits and consultations between Hungarian and Kenyan educators.
The opening ceremony was attended by key figures from both institutions, including Dr. Samuel Gudu, Vice-Chancellor of Rongo University, and Dr. habil Andrea Perlusz, Vice-Dean of ELTE’s Faculty of Special Needs Education. Their presence underscored the importance both institutions place on this partnership.
Impact Beyond Individual Participants
While the program directly benefits 15 participating teachers, its impact extends far beyond these individuals. The enhanced skills and knowledge these educators gain will indirectly improve education quality and accessibility for thousands of Kenyan students. This multiplier effect demonstrates the long-term value of investing in teacher professional development.
The program aligns with ELTE’s broader Africa Strategy, which seeks to strengthen the university’s international commitment to promoting social inclusion through education. By sharing expertise in special needs education, ELTE is helping to build more inclusive educational systems across the continent.
Local Leadership and Knowledge Transfer
The success of this initiative relies heavily on local knowledge transfer and sharing. Rongo University faculty members play a crucial role in delivering the training, ensuring that the content is relevant to the Kenyan context while benefiting from ELTE’s expertise in special needs education.
This approach recognizes that sustainable change in education requires local ownership and adaptation of international best practices to local contexts. The partnership model ensures that Kenyan educators are not just recipients of knowledge but active participants in shaping the program’s implementation.
Future Opportunities for Cooperation
During the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the further opportunities for cooperation inherent in this partnership. The success of this initial program could lead to expanded initiatives in inclusive education, potentially benefiting even more educators and students across Kenya and the broader East African region.
The ELTE University Excellence Fund’s support for this initiative demonstrates the university’s commitment to using its resources to address global educational challenges. This investment in international cooperation reflects ELTE’s position as a leading European university with a global perspective on education.
Strengthening International Educational Partnerships
This program exemplifies how universities can leverage their expertise to create meaningful international partnerships that address critical educational needs. By combining ELTE’s specialized knowledge in special needs education with Rongo University’s local expertise and understanding of the Kenyan educational context, the program creates a powerful model for international educational cooperation.
The hybrid nature of the program also demonstrates how technology can facilitate international educational partnerships, allowing for knowledge exchange and professional development across geographical distances while maintaining the benefits of face-to-face interaction.
Looking Ahead
As the program progresses over the coming months, it will be important to monitor its impact on participating teachers and their students. The formal certification provided to participants not only recognizes their achievement but also helps to institutionalize the importance of inclusive education practices within the Kenyan educational system.
This milestone in Kenya represents more than just a training program; it’s a testament to the power of international educational cooperation in addressing global challenges and building more inclusive societies through education.
Interested in learning more about ELTE’s international programs and initiatives? Visit the ELTE website to explore their degree programs, international partnerships, and opportunities for collaboration in education and research.
