In 2010, Mrs. Isabel Mavengano, a seasoned hotel industry professional from Bulawayo, faced a pivotal moment when her eight-year-old son was diagnosed with dyslexia—a learning disorder affecting reading, writing, and spelling. Recognizing the challenges he faced in traditional schooling, Mrs. Mavengano made the courageous decision to resign from her 18-year-long career to focus on her son's education. She pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and began homeschooling both her children, adapting teaching methods to cater to her son's unique learning needs. This journey led her to establish the Africa Institute of Alternative Learning in 2018, aiming to support children with similar learning difficulties. Her dedication not only empowered her son to successfully pass his Cambridge examinations but also provided a beacon of hope for other families navigating the complexities of learning disorders.
Today, AIAL is a thriving institution offering a high school, in-school support, and capacity-building programs for educators. The institute also runs awareness initiatives, helping communities understand and embrace learning differences.
Expanding its impact beyond schools, AIAL recently launched NeuroBridge, a corporate program that brings the principles of neurodiversity and alternative learning into professional environments.
From empowering children to guiding organisations, AIAL remains committed to one mission: ensuring every individual can thrive, no matter their challenges.
The Africa Institute of Alternative Learning was founded with the vision of creating a nurturing environment for children with learning difficulties. Our founders recognised the urgent need for educational approaches that cater specifically to diverse needs, emphasising individualised support and collaboration with parents and therapists. This vision continues to drive our mission and shape our educational practices.
Each student at our institute benefits from a tailored Individual Education Plan (IEP) designed to address their unique learning requirements. This approach not only fosters academic success but also promotes personal growth and self-confidence. Our commitment to individualised education ensures that every child receives the attention and resources necessary to thrive.
At the heart of our institute is the belief that education is a collaborative effort between students, parents, therapists, and educators. We actively engage parents in the educational process, providing them with access to their child's IEP and encouraging open communication. This partnership strengthens our community and enhances the overall learning experience for each child.
Personalised Education for Every Child
Our process begins with a comprehensive assessment of each child's unique learning style, strengths, and challenges. This assessment is conducted by experienced specialists who understand the complexities of learning difficulties. The insights gained from this evaluation form the foundation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) tailored specifically to meet the child's needs.
We believe that collaboration is key to a successful IEP. Our team works closely with parents, teachers, and therapists to ensure that all perspectives are considered in the plan. Regular meetings are scheduled to discuss progress, challenges, and adjustments, fostering a supportive network around each student.
The IEP is not a static document; it undergoes continuous review and adjustment to reflect the child's evolving needs. We regularly monitor academic progress and behavioral developments, allowing us to adapt strategies and goals. This dynamic approach ensures that each student's educational journey is both effective and responsive.
Community Awareness Campaigns
We have successfully launched several community awareness campaigns aimed at promoting understanding of learning difficulties. These initiatives have helped to destigmatise challenges faced by children and have fostered a more inclusive environment within our broader community.
Innovative Learning Workshops
Our institute has organised numerous workshops focused on innovative teaching methods and strategies for teachers parents. These workshops empower schools and families with the tools and resources needed to support their children's learning at school and home, enhancing their educational experience.
Collaborative Educational Programmes
We work with local organisations to implement collaborative programmes that provide additional learning opportunities for our students. These programmes have included attachment or placements for our carrers week, site visits and social skills development; all designed to enrich the educational journey of our learners.
In-school Programmes
We have partnered with a local school, Masiyephambili Junior, to support students with learning disabilities by providing personalised assessments, expert advice and tailored education plans for their success. This promotes inclusivity in their learning.
Technical College Support
We have collaborated with Westgate Technical College, a local technical college, to recruit students with learning disabilities, fostering inclusivity by providing opportunities for them to pursue their aspirations even without the standard ordinary level certificates.
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I. Mavengano
Director & Education Therapist
e. mukonondera
School Administrator
S. Ndlovu
IT Administrator
h. ncube
Maths & Geography Teacher
n. Maphosa
Academic Center Manager, English & Sociology Teacher
N. mthethwa
Computer Science & Maths Teacher
j. maphosa
English & Business Studies Teacher
p. s. Moyo
Biology & Chemistry Teacher
l. pasipanodya
Bible Studies & Divinity Teacher
n. Ncube
English & History Teacher
w. Mapenduka
Computer Science & Physics Teacher
l. khumalo
Biology & Science Teacher
s. Ncube
Junior Class Teacher
Learning disabilities are neurological conditions that affect the brain's ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information. They can impact skills such as reading, writing, math, organization, and memory.
Learning disabilities are often caused by genetic factors, brain development issues, or complications during pregnancy or birth, such as oxygen deprivation.
No, learning disabilities do not affect overall intelligence. People with learning disabilities often have average or above-average intelligence but struggle with specific tasks.
Learning disabilities are lifelong conditions. However, with early intervention, tailored education plans, and support, individuals can successfully manage their challenges.
A combination of psychological assessments, academic evaluations, and input from teachers and parents is used to diagnose learning disabilities.
Common signs include difficulty reading, writing, or solving math problems, trouble following instructions, poor memory, or avoiding schoolwork.
Consult your child’s teacher or school counselor. They may recommend testing by a specialist such as an educational psychologist or speech therapist.
