EKUI

EKUI is a multisensory universal design for learning methodology that is revolutionizing the way children learn to read, write, and communicate through empathy and inclusion. Based on neuroscience, EKUI accelerates the learning process, enhances communication, and boosts self-esteem and empathy. It is implemented with a playful approach in kindergarten and a didactic approach in primary school, using both physical and digital materials. These materials represent letters and words in four forms: Graphic Alphabet, Braille, Sign Language, and Phonetic Alphabet.

To better understand the roots of learning difficulties and find solutions, Celmira Macedo, the founder of EKUI, completed her PhD in Special Education at the University of Salamanca in Spain. She used a scientific approach to analyze why many children struggled with reading, writing, and communication, and how these issues were being addressed. Discovering that no inclusive methodologies existed to solve this widespread problem and that schools worldwide often used a "one size fits all" approach, she decided to create EKUI. Initially focused on children with special needs, she was soon surprised to find that EKUI's methodology was effective for all children in the classroom. Moreover, it united entire classrooms, fostering learning, communication, empathy, and new relationships among children. Additionally, EKUI improved teachers' knowledge and practices.

To achieve systemic change, EKUI involves and trains parents and teachers, equipping them with tools to identify barriers in children's learning and communication before they become problematic. EKUI is grounded in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, which confirm that children exposed to multisensory methodologies learn faster because different areas of their brains are activated (memory, attention, perception). This makes learning more efficient and motivating, reduces disparities in access to knowledge, and promotes equal opportunities (SDG 4 & SDG 10).

Among its numerous national and international recognitions, the EKUI Methodology has been acknowledged by Finland's HundrED as one of the 100 best educational innovations in the world in terms of impact and scalability for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024).

Problem addressed

650 million people globally face barriers hindering their ability to learn and communicate effectively, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking. Shockingly, a staggering 250 million of these individuals are children. In Portugal alone, 1.7 million people grapple with these challenges, having left school without basic literacy or communication skills. This issue predominantly affects women, leading to pervasive outcomes such as school failure, early abandonment, isolation, marginalization, and social exclusion (Nova, 2021).

The causes behind this societal dilemma are multifaceted:

- Poverty: socioeconomic disparities exacerbate the issue, as individuals from impoverished backgrounds often lack access to quality education and resources necessary for skill development.
- Disability: persons with disabilities face additional hurdles in accessing education and may lack adequate support systems to address their specific needs.
- Outdated Educational Methods: traditional teaching approaches fail to accommodate the diverse learning styles and needs of students, particularly in terms of neurological, sensory, and social diversity.
- Digital Literacy: in an increasingly digital world, lacking proficiency in digital skills further marginalizes individuals, hindering their educational and employment opportunities.
- Parental and Teacher Training: the absence of training programs for parents and educators to effectively support diverse learning needs contributes to the perpetuation of learning barriers.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, widening disparities in access to knowledge and quality education. This, in turn, fuels cycles of poverty and impedes access to employment and an improved quality of life for thousands of individuals.

These factors culminate in a complex web of consequences, perpetuating and exacerbating the social problem:

1. In Education (SDG 4):
The shortage of qualified teachers and inadequate training exacerbates inequalities, particularly for disadvantaged children and those with additional needs. Current statistics reveal that only 30% of Portuguese teachers possess the necessary skills to effectively address diverse student populations, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive teacher training initiatives. Furthermore, outdated educational paradigms fail to prevent learning challenges, resulting in delayed interventions and hindering inclusive education practices.

2. Mental Health Challenges:
The adverse effects of educational inequities are further compounded by mental health issues, with demotivation, school failure, and social exclusion disproportionately impacting vulnerable students. The lack of early intervention programs and socio-emotional support exacerbates these challenges, perpetuating a cycle of academic and social disengagement.

3. Economic Disparities:
Economic instability, highlighted by a 6.7% unemployment rate in Portugal, exacerbates educational inequalities. Families grappling with financial hardships are unable to afford essential educational resources, exacerbating learning barriers for their children. Additionally, the collapse of informal support networks further exacerbates educational inequities, particularly in underprivileged communities.

4. Geographic Disparities and Support Networks (SDG 10):
Regions with low population density face unique challenges, including limited access to support services for vulnerable populations. Geographical asymmetries exacerbate barriers to learning and communication, perpetuating social inequalities and hindering regional development efforts.

Addressing these systemic issues requires a comprehensive approach, including:

- Enhancing teacher training programs to equip educators with the skills necessary to address diverse student needs effectively.
- Implementing inclusive teaching methodologies, such as Universal Design for Learning, to promote equitable access to education for all students.
- Prioritizing early intervention and socio-emotional support services to address mental health challenges and foster resilience among students.
- Investing in digital literacy initiatives to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with essential digital skills.
- Strengthening formal and informal support networks to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals and families facing educational barriers.

By addressing these root causes and implementing targeted interventions, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive educational system that empowers all individuals to reach their full potential.

Innovative solution

EKUI embodies a transforming multisensory inclusive learning methodology designed to empower children in mastering the vital skills of reading, writing, and communication. EKUI, an acronym for E-equity in education; K-knowledge (accessible); U-universality; I-inclusion, champions the belief that every child deserves unfettered access to an inclusive education, free from barriers in learning and communication. This ethos drives our commitment to challenging the status quo through innovative, disruptive, and empathetic educational practices.

At EKUI, we go beyond merely creating educational materials; we craft transformative tools and services aimed at enhancing children's learning experiences and elevating their quality of life. Our approach is not confined to traditional classroom settings; we extend our reach through comprehensive training programs for parents and professionals. These programs, facilitated through an educational platform, online courses, and interactive Apps, equip stakeholders with practical, inspiring strategies grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning.

Central to EKUI's methodology its Universal Design for Learning approach, which ensures inclusivity by offering four distinct methods of expressing and representing information: letter spelling, sign language, Braille code, and the phonetic alphabet. Guided by insights from neuroscience, we understand that employing these diverse approaches fosters efficient, motivating, and accessible learning experiences for all children, irrespective of their individual needs or characteristics.

EKUI's impact spans across early childhood education and primary schooling, fostering collaborative learning environments where children of varying learning paces and abilities thrive together. Our methodology doesn't seek to supplant traditional teaching methods; rather, it aims to augment them, providing educators with invaluable strategies to seamlessly integrate children with diverse needs into mainstream classrooms.

Through the implementation of EKUI, we witness the emergence of empathetic, socially adept citizens equipped with essential socio-emotional skills such as self-esteem and empathy. By nurturing active citizenship skills and fostering inclusivity within learning contexts, we envision a future marked by equitable, diverse, and inclusive societies.

EKUI's transformative impact has garnered international recognition, exemplified by a multitude of prestigious awards and accolades spanning several years. From Social Entrepreneurship Awards to Innovation in Education recognitions, EKUI's trailblazing approach continues to be celebrated for its profound impact and scalability on a global scale. *

In our pursuit of a world where every child can unlock their full potential without encountering discrimination or barriers, EKUI advocates for the integration of our multisensory and inclusive approach into educational curricula worldwide. We emphasize early screening and intervention to identify and address learning irregularities proactively, preventing them from escalating into significant challenges.

EKUI's universal adaptability underscores its potential for global implementation, offering tailored solutions adaptable to diverse linguistic contexts with minor adjustments in materials such as sign language and phonetic representations. This universality underscores the importance of forging partnerships with universities worldwide to ensure widespread adoption and sustainability of our transformative methodology.

Join us in our mission to revolutionize education and create a world where every child can learn, communicate, and thrive as equals. Together, let's break down barriers before they even have a chance to emerge.

*
2012: Social Entrepreneurship Award - EDP Foundation (PT)
2012: Social Innovation Award - Montepio Foundation (PT)
2015: Social Entrepreneurship Award - Montepío Foundation (PT)
2016: Innovation in Education Award - Gala of Social Inclusion of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria and National Institute for Rehabilitation (Ministry of Labour and Social Security) (PT)
2016: Social Innovation Tournament - EIB Institute (PT)
2017: Social Entrepreneur Award - INSEAD (FR)
2017: Innovation and Sustainability Award - CASES (PT)
2017: Impact generator course - MAZE (PT)
2017: Partnerships for Impact Award (Social investor - Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation) - Portugal Inovação Social (PT)
2017: Partnerships for Impact Award - Portugal Inovação Social (Social investor - Município do Fundão e Município do Sabugal (PT)
2018: Social Innovation Award - Maria José Nogueira Pinto (PT)
2019: Recognition as IIES - EMPIS (PT)
2021: Ashoka Fellow (ES)
2021: Caixa Social Award - Caixa Geral de Depósitos (PT)
2022: BPI La Caixa Award - Rural - BPI La Caixa (PT)
2022: Lidl Mais Ajuda Award - LIDL (PT)
2022: Recognition HundrED (Finland): EKUI as one of the 100 best educational innovations in the world, in criteria of impact and scalability (2023) (FI)
2022: PITCH in "Impact Heroes" EVPA, Brussels (BE)
2023: Recognition HundrED (Finland): EKUI as one of the 100 best educational innovations in the world, in criteria of impact and scalability (2024) (FI)
2023: IV Magallanes-Elcano Awards (ES)
2023: SONAE Educacion Prize (PT)

Key results and benefits

Over the course of nine years, spanning from 2015 to 2024, EKUI has made remarkable strides, impacting over 700 classes in Portugal and extending its reach to 12 countries worldwide through the dedication of Portuguese educators. These countries include Angola, Brazil, the Netherlands, Mozambique, Switzerland, England, Macau, France, the United Kingdom, and Timor. Through our initiatives, we've empowered 33.000 teachers, parents, and therapists, directly engaging with 15.000 children and young people across 460 cities and villages in Portugal. Our diverse community now spans 250.000 individuals, encompassing both migrant and emigrant populations.

A comprehensive impact evaluation, conducted in collaboration with universities from 2015 to 2023, underscores the transformative effects of the EKUI methodology:

- 72% of children demonstrated improved efficiency in learning the alphabet.
- 81% of children exhibited enhanced communication and language skills.
- 97% of children showed significant progress in socio-emotional development.
- 67% of teachers reported adopting more inclusive teaching practices.

These findings underscore the profound impact of the EKUI methodology in fostering inclusive education and catering to the diverse needs of learners.

EKUI stands at the forefront of educational inclusion, breaking down barriers that hinder some children's learning journeys and illuminating the myriad pathways to knowledge acquisition.

"EKUI clearly spearheads inclusion in the space of education. This innovation is not only breaking barriers that exist for some children in their journeys of learning but most importantly opens their eyes to various ways/mediums one can learn!"

HundrED Academy member (2023)

"My son used to confuse the sounds of certain letters and struggled to learn how to read and write. When I discovered the EKUI Methodology and took the training course, I was delighted. I learned dynamic and efficient strategies that helped me teach him to overcome these difficulties. Using the strategies and EKUI materials, we practiced diligently, and it worked! Miguel now reads and writes without mixing up letters and sounds, which has allowed him to successfully learn to read and write".
Vera Santos, Early Childhood Educator

"I learnt from EKUI that letters have sounds and gestures and now I can play with the children. I know that this stimulation will later have a positive impact on their learning to read and write".

Maria Sousa, Primary School Teacher

"My daughter saw a deaf couple in the shopping centre and tried to communicate with them using Portuguese Sign Language, thanks to EKUI. She said, "At school, I learned with EKUI that my hands can speak". I thought it was extraordinary".

Mum of "Luana" (6 years old)

"With the EKUI I learnt how to use my mouth to say the sounds of the letters. I also learnt how to gesture each letter and how to write them. It was great fun!"
Miguel Santos (6 years old)

Potential for mainstreaming

The EKUI Methodology stands as a beacon of scalability, fortified by its foundation in rigorous scientific evidence, extensive research, and impactful evaluations conducted across diverse cultural landscapes. This methodology's adaptability is unparalleled, with the capacity to swiftly transcend borders and seamlessly integrate into varied educational contexts.

Driven by a commitment to universal accessibility, our collaborative efforts with partner universities ensure that localization adjustments, such as adapting Sign Language and incorporating local language phonemes, are executed swiftly and seamlessly. Leveraging the power of digital platforms available in both Portuguese and English, we streamline the dissemination process, catalyzing the widespread adoption of the EKUI Methodology.

Through comprehensive training and meticulously crafted materials, including an intuitive App and a comprehensive "do-it-yourself" manual, we empower educators and stakeholders to autonomously implement the EKUI Methodology, regardless of geographic location or linguistic diversity.

Our unwavering goal is to propel the scalability of the EKUI Methodology, extending its transformative impact to more schools in Portugal and worldwide. By fostering strategic partnerships with universities and teacher training colleges, we amplify our collective efforts, catalyzing the advancement of inclusive education on a global scale.