Improving Literacy for Children Through the Support of Community Networks
Credit
GPE/Paul Martinez
Project Abstract
This project explored how community-based actors – including teachers, parents and administrators – can collaborate with formal education systems to improve early-grade literacy. The initiative adapted and scaled Unlock Literacy model, focusing on reading camps and community engagement to support children’s reading development. The research provided evidence on how local actors can strengthen inclusive, gender-responsive literacy programming for vulnerable populations.
Project Details
Completed
Implementing Organization(s):
Foro Social de la Deuda Externa y Desarrollo de Honduras
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
The School of Education and Leadership of the University of Ghana
Duration:
30 months
End Date:
Feb 2023
Project Impacts: Policy and Practice
Impact: Policy & Practice
The project led to policy and practice changes across all three countries, with strong evidence uptake by governments and education stakeholders.
Ghana
- The Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) invited the project team to contribute to curriculum and policy development.
- Colleges of Education began integrating Unlock Literacy principles into teacher training programs.
- The project influenced discussions on national language policy, advocating for mother tongue instruction in early grades.
Honduras
- The Unlock Literacy model was adopted into the national education strategy.
- Partnerships were formed with the Secretariat of Education (SEDUC) and the Secretariat of Culture (SECAPPH), leading to the launch of the CECI campaign to promote literacy through locally developed reading materials.
- The project contributed to the development of a digital reading course for 800 teachers across Latin America.
Nicaragua
- Despite political constraints, local and municipal education authorities supported reading camps.
- Community leaders and volunteers developed improvement plans based on research findings.
- The project strengthened local capacity to use literacy monitoring tools and adapt reading camp strategies.
