PACE provides reading and numeracy support for students from schools in rural and slum areas. We help children move from learning to read to reading to learn. With this afterschool support, students develop a love for reading and gain the confidence to drive their own learning. This project will enable 60 of our fellows to provide eight months of literacy coaching, math support and academic enrichment for 3000 students in rural and slum areas.
Findings from Uwezo Kenya 2015 report indicate that on average, 1 out of 10 children in Kenyan primary schools is completing 8th grade without acquiring the necessary reading skills expected of a child in 2nd grade. Children from poor households perform consistently lower than their counterparts in the middle to high-income families- leading to a lifelong disadvantage. If you can't read, you are more likely to struggle to learn, fail exams, miss out on high school education and miss out on jobs
PACE has adopted a literacy and numeracy enhancement program named Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL). Currently implemented by 122 volunteer youth teaching assistants in 22 primary schools in slums, TaRL is described by the students in our partner schools as " a fun learning activity conducted in a non-intimidating environment, led by relatable people-young teaching assistants." We go to the students level and build reading skills from the ground up.
PACE partner primary schools have recorded an average 8% annual improvement in their national performance, with remarkable improvement in numeracy and literacy-based subjects. For students in Kenya's merit-based admissions system, an improvement in academic performance for their school means the opportunity to qualify for a better quality secondary school. Apart from giving students a fighting chance, we equip local teaching assistants with the knowledge to continue serving their communuty.
