OVERVIEW

The high illiteracy rate in Haiti remains a key obstacle to the country’s social and economic development. International research shows that a successful outcome in learning in any subject area, such as mathematics and science, is strongly linked to well-developed reading competencies. Learning to read early is essential to a positive start for children’s academic and professional success.

In research conducted by a previous USAID reading project, Tout Timoun Ap Li (ToTAL), experts found that roughly 75 percent of children at the end of first grade and nearly half of students finishing second grade could not read a single word of connected text. The results of the study revealed the limited reading skills of Haitian students and how much needs to be done to improve the quality of education.

Education is one of the highest priorities of the Government of Haiti, and the Haitian Ministry of Education (MENFP) considers learning to read and write a “national cause.” In close collaboration with other donors and in line with both MENFP and USAID’s objectives, the Ann ALE project takes a holistic approach to improve Haitian education and literacy.  

Objective

Ann ALE aims to assist the MENFP in improving early grade reading and writing outcomes in Haitian Creole and French for Haitian children in the first four grades.

Activities

• Increase scale and impact of evidence-based reading approach: Ann ALE assists the Ministry in developing, revising and implementing "M ap li nèt ale" instructional model and materials. While directly supporting 550 schools, the project expands the use of the model nationwide through partnership with other donors, NGOs and the private sector.
• Improve capacity of teachers and key support personnel: Ann ALE supports capacity building of teachers and educational personnel, such as coaches, school directors and inspectors, offering in-service training with the MENFP. Pre-service and in-service training modules will be also developed and distributed to teacher training institutions.
• Increase parental and community engagement: Ann ALE works with existing local institutions and resources to implement effective, accessible community services that improve children's ability to read, write and learn.
• Assess student reading and writing performance: Ann ALE assesses students' reading and writing competencies. The results will be used to ensure students' progress, guide instruction practices and inform national education policy reform.

Expected Results

• Improve 100,000 students' reading and writing skills through interactive teaching methods and community-based activities.  
• Provide over 5,000 teachers comprehensive in-service teacher training and coaching. 
• Strengthen Ministry of Education's capacity at the national and decentralized levels to implement evidence-based reading approaches.