AVSI’s goal is to continue improving the quality of education received by children in the Ivory Coast through an integrated set of literacy promotion activities.

Together with the Ministry of Education and Alphabetization (MENA), AVSI will improve teacher attendance through strengthening the monitoring system of teacher attendance and best practices. AVSI with the MENA will also review and create a teacher attendance policy to help guide teacher attendance on the national level.

Following the 5-year implementation, AVSI will review the material provided and assess the need for replacement of books and other materials. AVSI will ensure that all students in grades 1 and 2 have the necessary textbooks as well as supplement and replace worn out materials in the existing school libraries. 

AVSI will also improve the quality of teaching and curriculum on reading and writing by holding training sessions and fostering continued training held by the MENA. Improved and revised material will be delivered to all schools to allow teachers to have the best educational environment for their students.

AVSI will organize extracurricular activities to promote reading and writing. Students who are behind their grade level will have the opportunity to participate in remedial/catch-up classes to improve their reading skills. There will be reading, writing and math competitions in each school every year to incentivize a fun learning environment. Schools will also have book clubs, animation reading and other special activities for children to learn and love reading. A special attention will be given to girls through a focus discussion group promoting girls and their reading skills.

AVSI will focus on the involvement of the whole community, drawing from our experience which has shown that where families are involved, children participate more, learn more, and develop more completely.

In addition, AVSI will convey the importance of teacher-student relationships and the inclusion of social, cultural and recreational activities as important aspects in a child’s education. These factors contribute to a fun and welcoming environment, which facilitates the emergence of affectionate relationships, that in turn emphasize an environment of learning and an establishment of reading as a habit and important skill.

Relying on local resources and innovation will help to promote locally owned responses and the participation of school directors, teachers, parents and communities.

AVSI will promote the improvement of water, sanitation and hygiene in 150 of the targeted schools of the project. AVSI will facilitate sustainable access to drinking water by rehabilitating and/or establishing 150 Hydraulic structures. AVSI will also provide hand washing systems in the schools, train on soap making and hygiene habits and needs in both the schools and the community.