In a small classroom in rural Kenya, 6-year-old Amani struggled to keep up with his peers. Diagnosed with autism, he found traditional teaching methods overwhelming — too fast-paced, too rigid. But when his mother introduced him to Ubongo Kids, a pan-African animated series that teaches STEM and life skills to children aged 7 to 14, something shifted. The bright visuals, rhythmic songs, and storytelling captivated him.
Soon after, Amani began singing along, repeating numbers and letters, and engaging in ways his teachers never thought possible. For Amani and millions of neurodivergent children across Africa, educational media is not just entertainment — it’s a gateway to learning.
Yet, for many neurodivergent learners, education remains a challenge. From autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, to dyslexia and sensory processing disorders, countless children face barriers in systems that fail to accommodate their unique learning needs. While global education frameworks emphasize inclusivity, the reality is that neurodivergent students remain overlooked, underserved, and unsupported, particularly in low-resource settings.
But change is possible. Emerging from Africa’s vibrant educational entertainment (edutainment) sector, organizations such as Ubongo are pioneeringsensory-friendly, research-backed educational contentthat provides neurodiverse learners greater support. This approach does not replace schools but equips children with additional tools to better grasp concepts, build their confidence, and actively participate in the classroom.
The education landscape is shifting towards equity in various ways, yet neurodivergent children remain on the periphery of policy discussions. The challenges are even greater in many low-income countries, where teacher training and specialized resources are limited. Unlike in higher-income countries, where individualized education plans, or IEPs, assistive technology, and specialized support staff are often available, children in rural Tanzania or Uganda with autism or dyslexia are far less likely to receive tailored interventions.
Many parents are left with few options, forcing children to struggle in silence or eventually drop out entirely. This lack of support extends into adulthood, where neurodivergent individuals face significantly higher unemployment rates and financial instability —globally, studies show that around 80% of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed. As the world pushes toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 — ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all — neurodivergent learners mustbe part of the conversation.
A key measure of children’s reading and math levels won’t be dropped from a framework on the Sustainable Development Goals. But education experts aren’t happy with how the debate has been handled.
The question is: How can we create scalable, affordable, and culturally relevant learning experiences that embrace neurodiversity while reinforcing formal education?
Currently, cost remains one of the biggest barriers —specialized programs, trained educators, and assistive technologies are often out of reach for many families, particularly in low-income communities. Without government support or subsidized options, most neurodivergent children are left without the resources they need to thrive. Addressing these challenges requires innovative, cost-effective solutions that work within existing education systems while being accessible to all.
While formal education remains essential, educational media can serve as a powerful tool to support neurodivergent children in ways traditional schooling often falls short. Technology is increasingly recognized for its ability to provide a safe, engaging, and flexible learning environment — particularly for children with autism, ADHD, or learning disorders — allowing them to explore and connect in ways that suit their unique needs. Moreover, research has shown that high-quality media interventions can enhance cognitive development and engagement in early childhood education, especially in low-income settings.
A study on Ubongo’s “Akili and Me” in Rwanda found that 200 children who engaged with the program showed significant improvements in early literacy, numeracy, and executive function skills. These findings highlight the potential of high-quality educational media to supplement school curricula and provide alternative learning pathways for neurodivergent children.
Building on the study’s findings, Ubongo’s approach offers a promising model for inclusive education through:
Neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism, thrive on routine and consistency. Ubongo’s storytelling with familiar characters and structured themes create a stable and predictable learning environment. Additionally, the Ubongo Playroom app provides kinesthetic learning experiences, allowing children to engage through touch and movement.
True inclusion means that all children, regardless of their learning styles or abilities, feel seen, valued, and understood. By bringing together both neurotypical and neurodivergent characters, Ubongo allows African children to see themselves more authentically represented.
Ubongo integrates captions, sign language interpretation, and audio-described content to accommodate children with hearing impairments or other disabilities beyond neurodivergence.
Ubongo’s success is a global call to action for governments, schools, and development organizations that edutainment is a key player in inclusive education.
For true impact, partners should consider:
that aligns with national education policies and cultural contexts.
that incorporates edutainment methodologies for neurodivergent learners.
as a complementary resource for diverse learners.
all children, including those in marginalized communities, benefit from multimedia learning.
Ubongo is leading the way in inclusive, research-driven edutainment, but the challenge of scaling solutions remains. To truly reach all neurodivergent learners, we need collective action. Policymakers, donors, and education partners must move beyond rhetoric and invest in tangible, scalable interventions that leverage edutainment as a transformative tool for inclusive learning. This means prioritizing funding for research-backed programs, integrating edutainment into national education strategies, and fostering cross-sector partnerships to ensure sustainable impact.
This is not about replacing schools — it’s about strengthening them. When used effectively, media can reinforce classroom learning, provide additional support at home, and empower neurodivergent learners to navigate the education system with confidence.
The global education sector has a choice: To continue with outdated, exclusionary models, or embrace innovative, evidence-based approaches that meet learners where they are. It’s time to scale what works.
