Kenyan dyslexia school to open on Burns day as Alloway Primary send videos showcasing Scottish life

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A ‘life changing’ dyslexia school in Kenya is set to open its doors on Burns night, thanks to a renowned Ayrshire sculptor-cum-philanthropist.The new Rare Gem Talent School in Nairobi, Kenya, will officially open to pupils on January 25, following investment from artist and sculptor Mark Stoddart, from Turnberry.The 58-year-old - who is dyslexic himself and attended a school that specially catered for people with the learning difficulty - has been supporting the Kenya Dyslexia Organisation to realise their dreams in building a new education centre to replace the tin rented building they were previously in.And now those dreams will be reality for 216 students who get to learn in spacious new classrooms, free from overcrowding and leaks.Mark - whose distinct and exotic work has been snapped up by celebrities including Elton John - said: “It will change lives, there’s no question about it.“The classrooms are a lot bigger with higher ceilings, big windows, double doors, disabled toilet and ramp throughout the place so it’s disabled friendly, and they grow all their own food there- so it’s totally different.“It’s a far nicer atmosphere.“The views from it are fantastic, whereas the old school was down a wee dingy alley, and then you went into absolutely crammed classrooms, very low ceilings, small doors and windows, and the septic tank couldn’t cope.”Mark has not only succeeded in getting pupils a new learning facility, but is helping to change the way Kenyan education officials view dyslexia and neurodiversity conditions.He said: “We’ve now got the education ministers on board with the concept that dyslexia could actually be a big plus, if it’s handled right.“They love the concept of the dyslexia testing kit and we’re looking