Kampala – U.S. Ambassador Deborah R. Malac on March 30 launched the distribution of more than 1.5 million pupil books and teacher guides in twelve local languages and English to more than 5,000 schools in Uganda. The U.S, Mission, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), also presented the Government of Uganda 54 titles approved by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) as part of the new national school curriculum. The titles include teacher guides and pupil reading texts for primary 1- 4, in English and in 12 local languages.

USAID’s School Health and Reading Program (SHRP) is improving reading skills of Ugandan children in primary 1-4 and supporting healthy behaviors among adolescents. Additionally, USAID’s Literacy Achievement and Retention Activity (LARA) is expanding the early grade reading model to an additional 28 districts. The program also addresses student retention issues by promoting safe school spaces and reducing gender-based-violence in schools. 

The U.S.- funded programs work in close partnership with Ugandan education officials to support the country’s new Thematic Curriculum and Policy, which promotes the use of local languages as the medium of instruction in Ugandan primary schools. By the end of 2016, USAID will have supported the development of 104 titles of pupil primers and teacher guides. The titles go through an extensive process of review and vetting by NCDC prior to receiving final approval from the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Sports (MOES).

In her remarks, Ambassador Malac lauded these literacy improvement efforts and emphasized the importance of reading in a child’s development.  “Reading is a necessary skill and a window into the world. Reading makes learning possible and opens children’s eyes and minds to new ideas and new opportunities. The United States Government is proud to be Uganda’s partner to improve the reading skills of 3.5 million children in early primary grades,” she said.

Funded by USAID, SHRP is a seven-year systems reform effort to improve reading in twelve local languages and English. LARA works across all levels of government and with other education stakeholders to build literacy of early primary grade learners in three local languages and English. USAID supports the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Sports (MOES) efforts to improve reading outcomes in primary grades.