International Literacy Day

As the world prepares to celebrate International Literacy Day on 8th September, now would seem a good time to tell you about progress in our literacy programmes in the last year. 

We've put a lot of work into our reading project for primary schools. School administrators in Kamuli do not place enough emphasis on reading, as it's not examinable. So UDS has stepped in to provide books, train teachers and get children reading. And it's working! 

Children show off their new books from UDS

Teachers in one of the schools involved told us that younger children, who have benefitted from our help, are reading better than the older children, who sadly missed out on the reading project. 

We started off in two primary schools, giving them 158 books each. And we trained four teachers in library and book management.Now four schools are involved - not only do they have extra books, including dictionaries, but they run reading events and clubs And classes stage "reading aloud" sessions, which helps the children build their confidence.

Rose, a teacher who is in charge of reading at Bezzallel Primary School, told us this: " Since we were given books last year, we have seen a tremendous change in our pupils, they can now read and write in English. Apart from that they have also developed the habit of reading on their own. This has never happened before, pupils are now self-driven, and we no longer need to force them to read during their free time."

Reading aloud in class builds confidence

The students can borrow books to take away and read in their spare time - and the teachers report that they are doing so, with enthusiasm, and at their own initiative.

The principle of Kasambira Public Day and Boarding School told us: "‘Our prayers are being answered, we have been crying out for this for a long time."

With such swift progress being made in such a short time, this project has really proved its worth. With your support, we can make it bigger and better in the coming year.  Just £5 would buy two reading books for a class which would help children get the start they need in learning to read.   Text UDSL14 £5 to 70070 to donate to UDS and make a difference today. 

A pupil shows his appreciation