USAID Read with Me Project in Tajikistan ― Final Report

The project's five-year implementation period spanned from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2021. RWM focused on increasing the availability of reading materials, improving reading instruction, increasing innovations and partnerships supporting literacy outcomes, and increasing government support to improve reading. RWM's nationwide reach and emphasis on rural areas were key components of the project. The project's results framework guided implementation and outlined the major themes of engagement with the education system, including sustainability. RWM supported and helped to introduce several "firsts" for Tajikistan, including the development of Braille and large print books. The project's four activity result areas included the provision of reading materials, training, and mentoring, as well as the work to monitor progress and impact. Key achievements across these areas included the development and distribution of reading materials, the creation of a training and methodological package, and the introduction of the blended learning approach. RWM also collaborated with regional Teacher Training Institutes (TTIs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for in-service and pre-service training, respectively. In addition to these achievements, RWM made significant progress in creating supplementary materials, strategic use of media, and support to in-school and online learning environments. The project also used mobile applications for widespread reach and collaborated with the private sector. Furthermore, RWM's approach to mentoring, monitoring, and learning through Community-based Methodological Units (CBMUs) and advancements toward a digital learning ecosystem through Methodological Resource Centers (MRCs) were notable. RWM's crosscutting highlights included achievements in gender and inclusive education, communications, and coordination with the ministry and other implementing partners. The project's focus on sustainability and its nationwide reach were key components of its success. RWM's lessons learned and recommendations for resolving identified constraints going forward are presented in the final section of the report. The project's beneficiaries included students, teachers, and education officials across Tajikistan. RWM's work in book development and distribution, training, and mentoring had a significant impact on reading outcomes for students in Grades 1 through 4. The project's achievements in creating supplementary materials, strategic use of media, and support to in-school and online learning environments also contributed to its success. RWM's collaboration with regional TTIs and HEIs for in-service and pre-service training, respectively, was a key component of the project's success. The project's use of Early Grade Reading Assessments (EGRAs) as a nationwide assessment also helped to monitor progress and impact. RWM's approach to mentoring, monitoring, and learning through CBMUs and advancements toward a digital learning ecosystem through MRCs were notable. The project's focus on sustainability and its nationwide reach were key components of its success. RWM's achievements in creating supplementary materials, strategic use of media, and support to in-school and online learning environments also contributed to its success. The project's collaboration with the private sector and its use of mobile applications for widespread reach were also notable. RWM's lessons learned and recommendations for resolving identified constraints going forward are presented in the final section of the report. The project's achievements in improving reading outcomes for students in Grades 1 through 4 in more than 75 percent of schools across Tajikistan are a testament to its success.