Learning

Read guidance, learning summaries, evidence trends, and country reflections from USAID and its partners.

Featured
Children outside classrooms of a school in Honduras.
Systems Strengthening

Resource Roundup: Seven Ways to Strengthen Systems for Literacy Outcomes

USAID’s vision is a world where partner country education systems enable all children and youth to acquire the education and skills needed to be productive members of society.
September 19, 2023
CATALYZE EduFinance South Africa (Kaizenvest / GROW Educare Centres)
Reading & Literacy

Four Ways CATALYZE Improves Learning Outcomes and Expands Access to Quality Basic Education through Innovative Blended Finance Solutions

Despite significant increases in literacy rates since the first International Literacy Day in 1967, children from vulnerable and marginalized families continue to demonstrate significantly lower literacy rates.
October 12, 2023
A Haitian schoolgirl uses the light from a solar-powered LED to read at night.
Reading & Literacy
April 21, 2023

Resource Roundup: Nine Resources to Promote Books, Reading, Literacy, and Indigenous Languages

This resource roundup includes selections that recognize the importance of books, reading, as well as resources reflecting this year’s theme.
Photo Credit Julie Polumbo
Reading & Literacy
September 22, 2021

The Future is Multilingual: Research to Support the Development and Implementation of Evidence-Based Language of Instruction (LOI) Policies in sub-Saharan Africa

USAID continues to prioritize foundational reading skills and currently funds 19 early grade reading projects across sub-Saharan Africa.
Manija practices reading in Braille with her teacher Roziya during a home visit.
Disability Inclusive Education
December 15, 2020

Accessible to All: Creating Learning Materials for Children with Disabilities in Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tajikistan

Here are some examples from Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tajikistan that show how good practices in the provision of accessible learning materials are being put into practice during COVID-19.
Photo: On November 14, 2019, the United States and the Ministry of Public Education launched an early grade reading and early grade math assessment pilot in Uzbekistan.
Reading & Literacy
October 21, 2020

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) for Language Issues in Reading Programs

Language-focused MERL activities play an important role in gathering evidence and garnering support for adopting languages children use and understand outside of school for reading instruction.
Photo: A pupil reading a story written in Twi, a Ghanaian language, to the audience during the Ashanti Region’s Reading Festival in Offinso.
Reading & Literacy
October 14, 2020

Considering Language in Materials Development

One of the best ways for children to improve their reading skills is to practice reading using a variety of texts that are written in a language they use and understand. However, many children have limited access to such materials.
Photo: A USAID-supported training session for teachers in Mbandaka, northern DRC.
Reading & Literacy
October 7, 2020

Supporting Teachers in Providing Effective Reading and Language Instruction

Teachers must teach in the same language that their students use and understand. These language skills, coupled with pedagogical content knowledge and instructional approaches, are essential for providing effective reading instruction.
Photo: Students during the reading class at Darsalam School
Reading & Literacy
September 30, 2020

The Importance of Language of Instruction

Learning to read in a language that they use and understand is a critical factor in determining whether children develop the strong literacy skills that are foundational for all later learning.
A pupil doing independent reading
Reading & Literacy
May 27, 2020

Improving Systems for Reading Instruction

Reading, the bedrock of literacy, is the foundational skill necessary for all academic progress. Designing high-quality primary grade reading programs is essential to ensuring a pipeline of students who remain in school, achieve educational success, and contribute to economic growth.