Dushanbe, Tajikistan, January 23, 2017 – U.S. Ambassador Elisabeth Millard joined Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan Latofat Naziri, local education officials, teachers, and education stakeholders at the joint Ministry and USAID Quality Reading Project presentation of the 2016 Early Grade Reading Assessment midterm findings. The baseline data was presented in December 2014.

The Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) is an instrument used around the world that provides unbiased analyses of students’ reading skills. The midterm EGRA in Tajikistan was held in April and May 2016 in 132 schools with nearly 7,500 student participants, providing a systemic overview of literacy in Tajikistan. The EGRA also serves as a data source for policymakers as they make recommendations for improving reading and comprehension skills of primary grade students.

USAID, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science and the National Testing Center under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, implemented the EGRA tool to learn more about the reading levels of students in grades 1-4 across Tajikistan. The tool supports the new National Reading Competency-Based Standards for grades 1-4, which was developed by the Ministry of Education and Science in partnership with the USAID Quality Reading Project and the Global Partnership for Education.

USAID is a steadfast partner with the Tajik government in the education sector. In recognition of this partnership, USAID was pleased to share these important midterm findings with the Ministry of Education and Science to strengthen reading outcomes across Tajikistan.

The USAID Quality Reading Project is one of the many assistance projects made possible by the American people through USAID. Over the last 25 years, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has provided more than $1.8 billion in programs that support Tajikistan’s security, democratic institutions, social sector, and economic growth.