Accelerated Reading Program in Uganda
The post-pandemic education in Uganda has come with a tonne of challenges; the scars of two years’ of school disruption are becoming evident, especially with the government rush policy of abridged curriculum to catch up on lost time from the pandemic. Non-examinable education activities such as library time was scrapped from school timetables. But not all is lost. STEPi’s Micheal Nelson Byaruhanga, aka Uncle Books, is stepping up to lend a hand in helping children in the rural schools of western Uganda and some parts of Northern Uganda keep active with reading and fun since it is a competence for lifelong education.
Under the Accelerated Reading Program, Uncle Books is partnering with local organisations and dedicated individuals, equipping them with knowledge, tools and resources to establish intentional and sustainable reading programs in community schools. Launched at Aleero Primary School in the Nwoya district of Northern Uganda on the 9th of March, 2023, in partnership with Lutino Adunu organisation, this program will see selected schools enrol learners in three reading cohorts per year where learners, with support from teachers and volunteers from local organisations, will experience energetic reading activities including generating reviews for storybooks, lessons learnt and improving vocabularies.
At the invitation of Lutino Adunu organisation, accelerated reading programs were started in three schools including Lamola Community School, a very rural school located about 100 kilometres south of Nwoya district in Amuru district. Programs in these schools will all be under the voluntary supervision of the Lutino Adunu organisations. The successful literacy trip presented an opportunity for Uncle Books to engage with 74 parents of Lamola Primary Community School on the topics of positive parenting habits and the need to invest in growing responsible, healthy and happy children.
Written By:
Micheal Nelson Byaruhanga “AKA Uncle Books”
STEPi Engagement Coordinator: Uganda