Over the past few years, we have been piloting and perfecting our Read Smart Cinyanja program – our literacy intervention for early grade reading based on the use of phonetic charts. This week, our email comes from Timothy Phiri, a Curriculum Coordinator, reflecting back on our literacy fair competition at the end of 2023. Thanks, Timothy!

On November 10, 2023, Kanyelele Primary School hosted the Inaugural Read Smart Literacy Fair!. The program brought together 32 students from Grade 1 and 2 across eight Impact Network schools. The host school's Head Teacher was the honored guest. The primary goal of the Read Smart competition was to allow the participating students to demonstrate the abilities and knowledge they have acquired through the targeted literacy intervention. It also gave teachers the opportunity to collectively evaluate the activities and share best practice for supporting their students.

*Grade 2 Learners participating in a word puzzle game*

Both first and second graders participated in a variety of fun activities and games, including word puzzles, matching games, and riddles. These activities are all components of the Read Smart program that the learners were part of during the school year. The students were highly motivated and the competition was at times quite intense! Their extraordinary performance in each task showed how much they have thrived under the program.

*Teacher supervisors giving guidance as the competition began.*

At the program's amazing conclusion, pencils, exercise books, and certificates of participation were given to each student, who were overjoyed by these gestures and felt very inspired. The program attracted scores of wonderful comments from the learners, teachers, managers, and stakeholders in attendance.

After observing the students' performance, Teacher Supervisor Nelson Sakala commented on the program, saying, "This event has probed hard work in learners and teachers. Additionally, by exposing students from different schools to a range of difficult activities, the event has boosted their confidence and promoted social interaction amongst them.”

The Head Teacher of Kanyelele School gave the following closing remarks: "It was amazing to see how quickly learners' literacy skills are improving thanks to the Read Smart literacy program. The early acquisition of reading and writing skills in students is impressive! The Impact Network organization has my sincere gratitude for adopting and supporting such a worthwhile and inspiring initiative. Many students would benefit if this Read Smart literacy program could be expanded to other government schools.”