Reading for Ethiopia’s Achievement Developed Community Outreach (READ CO) Guide

The main purpose of READ CO is to increase access to grade-level appropriate reading materials, provide children with opportunities to practice reading, and strengthen parental and community engagement in support of children’s learning to read. This initiative supports the national READ Program effort to address the learning needs of 15 million primary grade students in seven Ethiopian languages. The READ CO project is implemented by Save the Children and its regional NGO partners, including Amhara Development Association (ADA), Tigray Development Association (TDA), Adult and Non-formal Education Association of Ethiopia (ANFEAE), the Organization for Welfare and Development in Action (OWDA), and the Save the Children South Hub (in SNNPR). The project aims to improve reading skills among children in Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas where access to quality education is limited. The READ CO project focuses on five key areas: the book bank, reading corners, community reading groups, master trainers, and parental involvement. The book bank is a collection of reading materials that are made available to children in schools and communities. The reading corners are designated areas where children can practice reading and receive support from teachers and community members. Community reading groups are formed to promote reading among community members, particularly parents and caregivers. Master trainers are trained to provide support and guidance to teachers and community members on reading instruction. Parental involvement is encouraged through various activities, such as reading with children, attending reading sessions, and participating in parent-teacher associations. The READ CO project has made significant progress in improving reading skills among children in Ethiopia. The project has also established a network of community reading groups, which have been instrumental in promoting reading among community members. These groups have been formed in various communities, including rural areas, and have been led by community members who have received training on reading instruction. The community reading groups have been successful in promoting reading among community members, particularly parents and caregivers, and have helped to create a culture of reading in these communities. In addition to the community reading groups, the READ CO project has also established a network of master trainers who provide support and guidance to teachers and community members on reading instruction. These master trainers have been trained to provide high-quality reading instruction and have been instrumental in improving reading skills among children in Ethiopia. The READ CO project has also placed a strong emphasis on parental involvement in reading. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read with their children, attend reading sessions, and participate in parent-teacher associations. This has helped to create a culture of reading in the home and has promoted a love of reading among children. Overall, the READ CO project has made significant progress in improving reading skills among children in Ethiopia. The project's focus on community-based reading initiatives, parental involvement, and high-quality reading instruction has helped to create a culture of reading in rural communities and has promoted a love of reading among children.