The Rebecca Rhodes African Inclusive Literacy Research Grant 2026 is now open for applications, offering up to $5,000 in research funding to African scholars and practitioners committed to advancing inclusive literacy education for children and youth with disabilities across the continent. Jointly administered by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), this prestigious grant supports rigorous, locally grounded research that can directly influence education policy and practice in Africa.
This grant represents the third round of the Rebecca H. Rhodes African Inclusive Literacy Research Award and continues a legacy rooted in equity, inclusion, and evidence-based education reform. Researchers working in West, Central, East, or Southern Africa are especially encouraged to apply.
Honoring a Legacy of Inclusive Education
The grant was established in memory of Rebecca H. Rhodes, a globally respected advocate for inclusive education who dedicated over two decades to improving literacy outcomes across Africa. Rebecca served as a Reading and Literacy Team Lead at USAID and worked extensively with governments, communities, educators, and families. She firmly believed that every child can learn, regardless of disability, background, or circumstance.
Through this research grant, her vision lives on by empowering African researchers to generate knowledge that strengthens literacy systems for learners with disabilities and special education needs.
Also Apply For: Adam Smith Fellowship 2026/2027 for Graduate Students ($7,000)
Why Inclusive Literacy Research Matters in Africa
According to UNESCO estimates, fewer than 10% of African children with known disabilities attend school, and among those who do, very few acquire basic reading and writing skills. Many children with unrecognized disabilities remain in classrooms without adequate support, leading to persistent learning gaps, exclusion, and limited life opportunities.
While governments and civil society organizations are experimenting with inclusive education strategies, progress has been slow due to limited locally generated evidence. The Rebecca Rhodes African Inclusive Literacy Research Grant addresses this gap by prioritizing context-sensitive, African-led research that responds to real challenges on the ground.
Grant Value and Scope
The award provides one $5,000 USD grant to a single primary applicant (an individual, not an organization). The funding may be used to support research-related expenses such as:
- Researcher’s time and effort
- Data collection and analysis
- Research materials and transportation
- Report writing and dissemination
- Limited conference registration and travel for presenting findings
All grant funds must be utilized within 18 months of the award, and the research must be completed and results shared within that timeframe.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the Rebecca Rhodes African Inclusive Literacy Research Grant 2026, applicants must meet the following key criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country, with a preference for West, Central, East, or Southern Africa
- Currently reside in Africa or have lived in Africa for at least two weeks within the past 24 months, with a demonstrated intention to continue working on the continent
- Hold a master’s degree or equivalent and have at least started a doctoral program
- Serve as the lead or co-lead investigator on the proposed study
- Conduct research focused on literacy education for children or youth (ages 0–21) with disabilities or special education needs
Early-career researchers, practitioners, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Research teams may include international collaborators, though the majority should be African citizen-residents.
Research Focus Areas
Proposed studies must explore the intersection of literacy and disability-inclusive education, including but not limited to:
- Foundational reading skills
- Writing and written communication
- Inclusive classroom practices
- Community-based literacy interventions
- Policy implementation and reform
Both new and ongoing studies are eligible, provided there is a clear funding gap and strong justification for the grant’s value-added contribution.
Application Language and Submission
Applications are accepted in English or French, and research may be conducted in any language relevant to the study context.
All application materials must be submitted as one single document (Word, Google Docs, or PDF) via email to:
📧 africaninclusiveliteracyaward@gmail.com
📌 Subject line: African Inclusive Literacy Research Prize Application: [Applicant Name]
Application Deadline and Timeline
- Application deadline: February 27, 2026 (midnight Pacific Time)
- Review period: Rolling evaluation after submission
- Notification of results: March 2026
- Public announcement: At the 2026 CIES Annual Conference
- Grant disbursement: April 2026 (pending ethical approval)
Selection and Evaluation Criteria
Eligible applications will be assessed by a jury composed of representatives from ADEA, CIES, and relevant CIES Special Interest Groups. Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to disability-inclusive literacy education
- Strengths and feasibility of research design and methodology
- Use of local knowledge and culturally responsive approaches
- Ethical safeguards for children and persons with disabilities
- Potential impact on policy and practice
- Qualifications of the research team
- Budget clarity and justification
Reporting and Accountability
Successful awardees must submit a final report within 18 months detailing research methods, findings, policy or practice implications, financial expenditures, and resulting publications or presentations. All outputs must acknowledge support from the CIES/ADEA Rebecca H. Rhodes African Inclusive Literacy Research Prize.
A Call to African Researchers and Practitioners
If you are passionate about inclusive education, disability rights, and literacy equity, this grant offers a valuable opportunity to contribute evidence that shapes more inclusive learning systems across Africa. By applying, you become part of a growing community working to ensure that no child is left behind in learning to read and write.
For more information, visit the Rebecca Rhodes African Inclusive Literacy Research Grant.
