World Vision is implementing the Unlock Literacy Model, which aims to empower schools, parents, and communities to support children’s literacy development and to promote strong literacy habits among early grade learners both inside and outside the classroom.

Unlock Literacy approach transforms learning to read Unlock Literacy (UL) is an educational program developed by World Vision to improve reading skills from primary school.

In the middle of this struggle, an earthquake severely damaged Zin’s home. Since the house was no longer safe, the family moved into a temporary shelter for eight months. While they received support from charity organizations, Zin never stopped working to cover her family’s other needs. Eventually, they repaired their home and were able to move back.

16.2 million people — nearly one-third of Myanmar’s population — needs humanitarian assistance (Myanmar HNRP 2026). World Vision has reached over 500,000 people including 194,748 children (as of 18 March 2026) - but funding shortfalls challenges continued recovery for families.

Simon, a 10 year old boy from Kisantu, struggled in silence because he could not read. After joining the RUTH Reading Club, he discovered a safe and supportive space where facilitators encouraged him step by step. Though he almost gave up, his facilitator personally came to bring him back, reminding him that he mattered. With patience and daily progress, Simon eventually read his first sentence, and everything changed. Now he reads and writes confidently and dreams of becoming a mechanic. He proudly thanks World Vision, the facilitators, and the sponsors for helping him succeed.

When World Vision Zambia introduced the Unlock Literacy model in her community, 43-year-old Bridget felt a spark of hope. As a dedicated volunteer, she had seen firsthand the challenges local children faced with basic reading, but she lacked the formal tools to help, until now.

Unlock Literacy boosts children’s reading in fragile urban settings through flexible, inclusive models, local partnerships, and adaptive learning approaches.

At World Vision Zambia, we believe that a child’s ability to communicate and learn should never be defined by their disability. Yet, for many learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, literacy remains one of the most significant barriers to reaching their full potential. Without the right tools, these students are often left behind in a world built for sound.

Children are at the heart of everything we do, their voices, dreams, and well-being drive our mission.  We are excited to share that amid the ever-growing humanitarian needs we reached 16.4 Million children in the East Africa Region.