Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context and Problem
At the time of writing, only 4.2% of children in Sierra Leone could read a simple text by age 10. This is very problematic, as early-grade literacy is critical for lifelong learning and academic success, and without this, nations cannot flourish and poverty continues to rise. Moreover, many teachers lack adequate training in content mastery, phonics instruction, and student-centered teaching techniques. Additionally, there are gaps in resources such as textbooks, workbooks, and teaching guides that further hinder the country's educational quality and student learning outcomes. The Ministry of basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and Teaching Service Commission (TSC), supported by global partners like the World Bank and UNICEF, led an initiative to transform education and improve literacy and numeracy among young leaders.
Solution
The intervention was multi-faceted. First, the development of literacy and numeracy packages. Textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides, and thematic posters tailored to support systematic phonics instructions and classroom learning were distributed for literacy. For numeracy, materials were developed to address foundational numeracy skills. Second, comprehensive teacher training was carried out through a structured program to build pedagogical skills and content knowledge and immersive workshops that utilized modeling, practical simulations, and feedback sessions to enhance teaching efficacy. Third, pilot programs and gradual scaling through district-level training. Fourth, resource allocation of items such as textbooks and workbooks and continuous monitoring through pre-and post-tests, classroom observations, and teacher feedback.
Impact
Over 8,000 P1 teachers have been trained and have enhanced skills to teach reading, writing, and oral language. Second, teacher confidence has increased in delivering systematic phonics instruction and managing diverse learning needs. Moreover, there has been a significant improvement in foundational literacy skills, including oral language, blending fluency, and reading comprehension. Moreover, 30 Master Trainers have been trained in foundational literacy learning principles, and all literacy materials have been piloted in over 40 schools.