Annual Progress Report, October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019

The program aims to improve reading outcomes for primary grade students in Malawi. The program's objectives are aligned with the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) priorities for integration. MERIT's objectives include improved instruction for primary grade reading outcomes, increased parental and community engagement in supporting student reading, safer learning environments for reading, pathways for sustainability instituted, and CDCS priorities for integration advanced. The program's implementation is guided by the Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMEP). The program's progress narrative highlights notable activities, including the training of teachers, the development and distribution of supplementary readers, and the provision of teacher's guides and learner's books. The program also implemented cross-cutting activities, such as gender and special needs education. In terms of implementation status, the program made significant progress in the reporting period. The program trained over 1,000 teachers, developed and distributed over 100,000 supplementary readers, and provided teacher's guides and learner's books to education districts. The program also conducted cluster-based workshops for district-level officers and provided support to family support groups. However, the program faced several challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Idai, staffing issues, and payment of allowances. The program's management and administrative issues are also discussed in the report, including general program management, finance, and administration. The program's lessons learned highlight the importance of community engagement, teacher training, and the provision of reading materials. The program also emphasizes the need for sustainability and the importance of integrating CDCS priorities. The program's annual financial report shows that the program spent over $10 million in the reporting period. The program's success stories and notable activities are also highlighted in the report, including the development of Braille materials and the provision of GIS maps for education divisions, districts, and zones. Overall, the MERIT program has made significant progress in improving reading outcomes for primary grade students in Malawi. The program's implementation has been guided by the Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, and the program has faced several challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Idai and staffing issues. However, the program's lessons learned highlight the importance of community engagement, teacher training, and the provision of reading materials.