Reading camps helping children to master English

Reading camps helping children master English

By Flavia Lanyero

In the past five years, the UWEZO report, that assess literacy and numeracy levels in East African primary schools, has found Uganda’s primary school pupils lagging behind in reading and writing.

To boost the reading and writing capabilities of pupils, World Vision in 2013 started reading camps in selected districts of Northern Uganda in which pupils gather on weekends to study. The children are provided with local language and English story books which they read and comprehend. Usually conducted under a tree or make shift room, World Vision provides the reading materials, chalk and blackboard for the camps as well as lobby schools to avail teachers.

“The intervention is to supplement normal classes of Monday- Friday. Since 2013 when the programme started, majority of our pupils can now read simple words, comprehend grammar and apply simple skills,” said Mr Walter Ojok, the project coordinator for World Vision.

According to Mr Obina Francis a teacher in one of the reading camps, the camps have helped pupils perform better and even excel in national examinations.  

“Before the programme, children could not answer any question in English. At my school - Oweka Primary School in Pader district, it was rare for pupils to even get a second grade. However, one year after introduction of the reading camps, the school got seven pupils in second grade,” Mr Obina says adding: “We see children are free to read in their language and can even read at home. If you know your language well, it is very easy to answer questions in English.”

In addition to learning how to read and write, pupils also learn about their traditions and practices including dances, food and taboos, hunting, farming etc.

World Vision is currently supporting reading camps in Pader, Oyam and Agago districts.