How Safaricom is Transforming Lives with Accelerated Learning Programme

Over 36,000 learners have gained literacy and numeracy skills through an Accelerated Learning Programme by Safaricom Foundation Zizi Afrique Foundation and members of the Regional Education Learning Initiative.

The programme which was launched in 2018 targeted learners from over 150 schools in Bungoma, Tana River and Turkana counties. The programme also inducted 182 head teachers and reskilled 265 teachers to impart literacy and numeracy skills among learners in the three counties.

These findings were revealed during a literacy and numeracy policy forum held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development as part of 2022 International Literacy Day celebrations.

“The focus of the programme is to hasten the acquisition of foundational literacy and numeracy skills for learners in grades 3-5, by engaging them in fun-play-based and engaging activities. As part of the programme, we have distributed over 100,000 reading materials and constructed 15 classrooms and five libraries”, said Joe Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation.

The Accelerated Learning programme focuses on advancing foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes by supporting learners lagging behind.

“Using this method, we can accelerate the learning of all children left behind in Kenya. Using a simple tool, you assess children and group them according to their level. Attending a session for one hour per day for only 30 days, more than 80 percent of the children can move at least one level on their journey to reading”, says John Mugo, Executive Director of Zizi Afrique Foundation. He thanks Safaricom for their support in implementing this programme and making it a success.

The Accelerated Learning Programme has been replicated in eight other counties through the Jifunze subgroup of the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI).