Literacy underpins all other learning and is the foundation of schooling. However children in Uganda are failing to learn this critical skill with less than 40% of those in Year 3 (on average seven and eight years old) being able to read and comprehend a basic sentence. Learning is happening too slowly or not at all. Many pupils repeat these early years in order to improve their grades but the situation doesn’t improve with 80% of children dropping out before the final year of primary.

Build Africa will work with teachers, parents and pupils to ensure the youngest children acquire the skills they need to do well in school, and in life. Teachers will be inspired to deliver child-friendly and good quality teaching, engaging children in class. In line with the Ugandan Government’s approach to early primary literacy, we are introducing a phonetic based system of reading which will help children accelerate their learning and get the most out of school.