As part of USAID’s International Literacy Day celebrations, join the Global Reading Network and Impact Network to learn about Read Smart Cinyanja, an innovative project to improve early literacy outcomes using phonetic charts that illustrate the mouth positions associated with each sound. The program is delivered in Cinyanja, a language spoken by over 15 million people in Southern Africa and the most common local language in Eastern Zambia. 

USAID’s Handbook on Language Instruction Issues in Reading Programs recommends considering both the language of instruction and methods of literacy development. A nationwide literacy assessment in Zambia found that 30 percent of third grade students scored below minimum literacy standards. In comparison, only three percent of participants in Read Smart Cinyanja fell below the standard.

The event will focus on the value of local language literacy instruction. Participants will leave the event with concrete ideas to create local language resources for their own contexts.

Visit the events calendar for a list of all events celebrating #USAIDLiteracy and International Literacy Day. 

This event will be conducted over Zoom in English with simultaneous French interpretation. If you have questions about the accessibility of this event or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact usaidgrn@edc.org by September 20.

By attending this event, you consent to being recorded in the large group room. The video will be made available to the public after the event; however, breakout room conversations will not be recorded.