Laos USAID LEARN TO READ
USAID Learn to Read is a leading early grade reading project in Laos implemented by a consortium led by Save the Children International in Laos (SCI) in partnership with Room to Read (RtR) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI). Learn to Read, a five-year project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), complements government efforts to improve reading skill for children from the pre- primary level to second grade in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. With a special focus on children who do not speak Lao and children with disabilities, the project helps to improve the quality of basic education in the country.
IMPROVING READING OUTCOMES
USAID supports the development of evidence-based, supplemental reading materials. By tapping into expertise from across the education sector, USAID Learn to Read develops Lao literacy program packages for pre-primary and early primary classrooms with application of inclusive principles and pedagogy. Based on a collaborative approach and an understanding of the needs of disadvantaged students, these packages address gaps in the Lao language curricula and are supplemented by teaching and learning materials specifically designed to address the learning needs of non-Lao-speaking students and children with disabilities.
ENGAGING COMMUNITY TO CREATE A CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
USAID supports the development of literacy for children from pre-primary to second grade by strengthening the literacy environment at home through targeted engagement of community members. Activities include face-to-face home visits by volunteers and Village Education Development Committees, reading festivals and family literacy days at schools. USAID partners with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and local and international non-governmental organizations to determine effective strategies that enhance commitment to literacy and strengthen the home and community literacy environment.
IMPACTS AND RESULTS
ACTIVITIES
- Summer Reading Camp - ensuring students reading continues in summer.
- Reading Group - Reading in group and sharing their ideas with each other.
- Reading Festival - Increasing community understanding of the value of joyful reading.
- Community Engagement - Engaging parents to support their child reading at home or outside.
- Reading Corner - Encouraging students to read books in class, using a hanging bag displayed on the classroom wall.
- Training Teachers - Improving the quality of instruction in the classroom including multi-grade classrooms.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
