Why TALLE-RSL focuses on working with Education Stakeholders?
WHY TALLE-RSL FOCUSES ON WORKING WITH EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS IN PROMOTING THE EFFECTIVE TEACHING OF LITERACY SKILLS IN THE EARLY & UPPER GRADES?
The development of quality literacy skills in the early grades is the most important part of children’s early school learning. Almost all their educational success depends on what happens in the first three years in school. Literacy skills are the foundation of all education. If children can read by the end of Class 3, they have the key to all other subject studies. Students need to read to study all subject areas from primary schooling up to their final exams at the end of secondary school and tertiary levels. Literacy skills are an ADVANTAGE in LIFE.
They are EYE-OPENERS to human beings; they give them perfectly, adequate knowledge, create civic and rational sense and withdraw them from the subjection of low habits and selfish passions. They constitute a strong TOOL against poverty. Literacy skills help people to advance and develop themselves and their communities meaningfully well.
The effective teaching of LITERACY SKILLS/READING at the early grade levels of educational systems in many countries have become the focus for the realization of Goal 6 of Education For All (EFA) which urges “the improvement in the quality of education in all its aspects, aiming for a situation where people can achieve EXCELLENCE“.
Research has shown that pupils learn to read more successfully from dedicated, creative professional TEACHERS. Approximately 15 percent of the variation in children’s reading achievement can be attributed to the teacher’s skills and effectiveness (Cecil, 2003).
However, building a strong foundation of literacy skills is not easy. It depends on the teachers’ skills and knowledge, and the availability of reading and writing materials.
But in Sierra Leone, most of our teachers have inadequate knowledge and methods in teaching LITERACY SKILLS effectively at the early grades in our Primary Schools-THE FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE.
Yes, there are great CHALLENGES before us. But with our passion, cooperation, and sincere commitment to working together with all EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS, we in TALLE-RSL will support in promoting successfully the development of sustainable quality education in our beloved country and beyond.
Dr Alhajie Sallieu Kanu (Hajj), Senior Program Manager.
