Community Action for Reading and Security (CARS)
This activity focuses on improving early grade reading. It helps students succeed in the early grades of school and provides bridge programs to formal education and after-school programs through the Espacios para Crecer (EpCs) approach. The development hypotheses is that in order to contribute to reducing insecurity along Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast, USAID/Nicaragua must strengthen early education headstart programs and foster solid reading skills in grades 1–3 to enhance student enrollment, retention and promotion rates and ensure safety at schools. A solid education foundation helps to address the most critical risk factors responsible for the region’s deteriorating security situation.