Founded in December 2024 by Heritier Simubi Muhoza, Simubi’s Foundation has quickly become a beacon of hope for children aged 6 to 15 living with dyslexia. Through a groundbreaking partnership with Westerwelle Haus Kigali and a group of determined parents, the foundation is already supporting over 70 children in its mission to improve literacy and learning outcomes for those with this often misunderstood condition.
The initiative was born out of a shared concern: many parents observed their children struggling with reading, writing, and comprehension despite having normal intelligence and potential. With limited local resources and awareness around dyslexia, Simubi’s Foundation stepped in to fill the gap.
“We believe that every child can learn, just not in the same way or on the same day,” said founder Heritier Simubi Muhoza, speaking passionately about the foundation’s purpose. “Our goal is to give these children the tools they need so that within six months, we begin to see a meaningful difference in their academic and emotional well-being.”
The foundation relies on a team of trained facilitators, including special education teachers, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and volunteer tutors who specialize in learning difficulties. These facilitators use tailored methods designed to match the unique learning styles of dyslexic children.
Among the tools used in sessions are phonics-based learning games, visual aids, flashcards, tablets loaded with dyslexia-friendly apps, and hands-on activities that turn learning into a playful and engaging experience. The facilitators also implement the Orton-Gillingham approach, a multi-sensory teaching method proven to be effective for learners with dyslexia.
Additionally, the foundation emphasizes parental involvement. Parents attend monthly workshops where they learn how to support their children at home and understand the emotional challenges that can come with learning disorders.
Simubi’s Foundation operates out of Westerwelle Haus Kigali, where it has access to well-equipped learning rooms and child-friendly spaces. With growing demand, the foundation hopes to expand its reach in the coming months and is currently seeking more partners and volunteers.
“The transformation we’re seeing is incredible,” said one parent. “My child used to cry over books. Now, he asks me to read with him every night.”
With its first anniversary coming up, Simubi’s Foundation is quietly proud of the progress made so far. It’s the small steps, like a child gaining confidence in reading or a parent feeling more supported, that mean the most. The team hopes to keep building on this work, reaching more families and creating a space where learning feels possible for every child.
