Methodology stimulates students' reading and numeracy skills

At Escola 3025, 9-year-old Gizela Barganha studies the 3rd grade and found in reading a passion that accompanies her daily. With enthusiasm, he shared his satisfaction with the "Basket Game", an activity that develops reading skills through play.

The "Teaching at the Right Level" (TaRL) methodology, implemented by the Ministry of Education, in partnership with UNICEF Angola, has brought new hope to several schools such as School 3025 and 3027 located in the municipality of Cazenga, in Luanda. Between games, interactive activities and new ways of teaching, students and teachers are already beginning to see the positive impact of this initiative.

The "Basket Game" is one activity of the methodology where students form a circle and pass a basket with cards to the sound of music. When the music stops playing, whoever has the basket takes out a card, reads the word or question and answers aloud. This dynamic makes reading fun, stimulates interaction, and strengthens students' confidence.

TaRL methodology is based on a structured and integrated approach that ensures effective learning for around 22,000 students in grades 3, 4 and 5. Initially, students undergo a quick assessment to determine their cognitive level and are then grouped and taught according to their knowledge and needs.

When asked what she would like to be when she grows up, Gizela, visibly excited, replied: "When I grow up, I want to be a teacher to teach children how to read and write." With the support of teachers and play activities, Gizela not only improved her reading skills, but also developed the dream of teaching other children.

Victor Manuel, Gizela's father, does not hide his pride in his daughter and affirms. "She reads better than many adults.

“It is something that excites me, and I recommend that all parents encourage their children's skills. Many just need a little push to discover their true potential." Said the proud father. 

At Escola 3027, we also find success stories. Jefte Miguel, a 9-year-old 3rd grade student, dreams of being a doctor when he grows up and is passionate about the "Game of Heaps and Straws”, a game that allows him to learn mathematical calculations in a fun way.

"I like to learn math while playing, during the game I learned that a lot is 10 straws and 10 straws are a dozen". shared the young student.

More than six teachers from school 3027 have been trained to apply this method, bringing significant improvements to the quality of teaching. Among the teachers is Jerónimo Baptista, who teaches the 3rd grade and has witnessed up close the changes brought about by the methodology.

"Previously, many students had difficulties in following the dynamics of the classes, but now they are more attentive and participative. The AIC is an asset, as students have shown great progress in their skills", he concluded.

The "teaching at the Right Level" project was designed to ensure that children develop and consolidate basic literacy and numeracy skills through interactive, playful-pedagogical and inclusive methods.

The implementation of the initiative has the support of UNICEF and is funded by partners such as the Government of Austria, Banco de Fomento Angola, Japan Committee for UNICEF, and the Latter-day Saints Church and is being implemented in 71 schools in the provinces of Benguela, Cunene, Huíla and Luanda.

These regular assessments allow individual progress to be monitored and pedagogical strategies adjusted as needed. In addition, the method includes the training of teachers and supervisors and mentors, as well as the sensitization of school managers, parents, promoting community collaboration for the educational success of children.

Barros Gabriel, responsible for general education in the municipality of Cazenga and focal point of the project, pointed out that at the municipal level about 2,655 children are being monitored in the pilot phase, and 69 teachers and 102 technicians have been trained, including deputy directors and external mentors.

The official was very satisfied with the progress of the project and highlighted, "The TaRL allows us to assess the level of competence of each student and monitor their progress. The results have been very encouraging, and Cazenga is proud to be one of the pioneers of this initiative."

Education is not only the foundation of personal development, but also a fundamental right of all children. With initiatives such as TaRL, which combine quality education with fun, the future of Angolan children gains a new perspective. In schools like 3025 and 3027, examples like Gizela and Jefte show that with the right stimulation, every child can reach their full potential and transform their future.