Jo Hallett writes:  Let’s Read is now working with over 30 schools in the Paga West District, in partnership with Afrikids.  Only 13% of pupils reach the expected levels in reading and writing after 6 years of schooling.

We have introduced a structured phonics scheme, with a wide range of resources, regular workshops for teachers, and on-going support from local educational advisors. There has been a significant improvement in many of the schools that have been involved for the past three years.

Most of the classes at ATIORUM PRIMARY SCHOOL are taught “under the tree”.  The teachers do their best.  I observed a class of about 30 P1 children squashed on to a mat by a tree.  The children were fidgety and the only teaching aid was a rough piece of board propped up against the tree.  See picture in a previous post. When the wind blew, the children hid their faces from the sand, and the board fell to the ground!  GSA provided a grant of £964 to buy 3 blackboards and 45 metal-framed desks.

KUMBUSINGO PRIMARY SCHOOL received a grant of £550 for 20 desks for their P1 class.  The picture shows what it’s like to study with no desks

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