Early Learning
UNICEF works with partners to ensure give every child is in school and learning
Challenge
In spite of the progress that Ghana has made in improving access to school, several children cannot read or write. A large number of pupils struggle to meet the proficiency cut-off point for English and Mathematics between grades four and six.
Every child has a right to access quality education and acquire skills
Solution
UNICEF is supporting the Ghana Education Service to promote reading at an early grade. This is aimed at creating a strong foundation for later investments in education. When children learn to read at an early age, the number of children who progress from kindergarten to primary to secondary school is likely to increase, repetitions and drop-out rates are likely to fall and children develop a stronger interest to learn while in school. UNICEF continues to support the education system with engaging learning materials and capacity building and training for teachers.
UNICEF has also supported the government to develop curriculums, assessment tools and training modules for teachers who teach at the kindergarten level.Through the involvement of volunteer mothers, UNICEF has helped establish play-based schemes in schools in one district in partnership with Lively Minds.
Reading is being enhanced with the provision of supplementary reading materials, creation of libraries in classrooms and organization of reading festivals.