World Vision leads in literacy boost in Lilongwe

Malawi education authorities have hailed the literacy boost programme, which is championed by World Vision, saying it is improving reading and writing skills of underperforming children.

This was evidenced at the Literacy Boost Fair, held in Chigodi Area Programme, Lilongwe during which four surrounding schools competed for prizes through demonstration of reading and writing skills.

Best three-learners from Standard One to Four got school bags, umbrellas, notebooks with the other three consolation prizes. The best school was also decorated with football, flipcharts and chalks and the others consolation prizes as well.

In the literacy boost program, children mainly from (Standard One to Four) are taught skills to identify letters, read and understand text so they are able to grasp lessons easily in class or homes.

Both parents and government officials testified that junior class learners can now read and write fluently as opposed to previous times, when school was not even in their minds.

World Vision’s Chigodi Area Program manager Ivy Chauya told the gathering that they would continue with the project. Funds for operations of projects in Chigodi Area program come from New Zealand support office.

“There is significant progress in the area of education because children have proven to be fast learners. We in World Vision believe that a good foundation for children is vital,” said Chauya.

She added that Literacy Boost is a model that they hope will ensure that parents, teachers and learners are brought together occasionally for the upbringing of children.