Empowering students in Africa

Hi, my name is Dean Bragonier, Founder & Executive Dyslexic of NoticeAbility, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students with dyslexia identify their unique strengths and build self-esteem.

We're on a quest

As a leading voice in the positive dyslexia movement, we have plotted a course to overcome stigma and navigate the tumultuous waters of preconceived notions. We are currently traveling the globe, on our Magellan Campaign Tour, to meet with educators, caretakers, and students about this paradigm shift.

An opportunity to meet the needs of Arabic-speaking students with dyslexia

The need for our services became clear the moment we arrived in Africa.

A project in Morocco has emerged as our priority for 2023. We need your financial assistance to complete this project. Let me explain.

Last week, more than 100 Ibn Zohr University students sat patiently as Professor Mohammed Agzar introduced me. Mohammed was a Fulbright Scholar who attended Lehigh University. He switched effortlessly between Arabic, French, and "American" as he addressed the audience.

I took the stage and explained that I was limited to English. To gauge the group's collective fluency, I asked if I was speaking too quickly for them to understand. To my surprise, they responded, in English and with enthusiasm, that they were with me. I was shocked. Speakers dream of engaged audiences like this one.

Over the next 60 minutes, there was a genuine cultural exchange. The university students, many of whom will become teachers, had a contagious curiosity about dyslexia. They shared candidly their lack of knowledge on the subject and expressed an insatiable desire to learn more. I left the stage confident that their future students with dyslexia would be understood and cared for.

But the true magic revealed itself when the session ended. A group of 15 students pushed past the 90-minute mark (World Cup reference intended) to express their desire to bring NoticeAbility's programming to the Arabic-speaking world. They buzzed with excitement and spoke eagerly about translating our Entrepreneurs & Innovators curriculum. They took turns explaining what each would contribute and their gratitude for the opportunity.

Mohammed and I have met several times since then. We are discussing an official collaboration between Ibn Zohr University and NoticeAbility.

Projects like this one require an investment. Studio time, filming equipment, post-production, IT assistance, and student stipends are required. As a result, we have budgeted $18,000 to complete this project, and we need your generosity to make it happen.

Dyslexia transcends nationality, ethnicity, and gender. NoticeAbility endeavors to help every student with dyslexia regardless of these considerations. Please support us in expanding our services, and know that your gift will change lives.

Please help us meet our fundraising goal.

Thank you,

Dean