USAID TUSOME EARLY GRADE READING ACTIVITY Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Counties Support Report, April 2020 – November 2021

The report highlights the qualitative and quantitative impact of the activity in the ASAL region of Kenya. The overall goal of the activity is to improve early grade reading outcomes in the ASAL counties. Qualitative impact assessments revealed significant progress in increasing the availability and use of appropriate textbooks and supplementary readers that support reading. Tusome TRA lessons were uploaded and distributed to schools, and partnerships were established with other organizations to expand the reach of Tusome content in ASAL areas. Sensitization of County Directors of Education (CDEs) and Teachers Service Commission-County Directors (TSC-CDs) on Tusome TRA lessons was also conducted. Improved methods of reading instruction delivery were also implemented, including the investigation of existing community-based learning models to support early grade literacy in the ASAL region. A survey was conducted in 10 identified ASAL counties on the most popular radio stations and the best times to air the radio lessons. The identified radio stations were introduced to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for access to the radio links and Tusome TRA radio programs in English and Kiswahili. The implementation of a teacher instructional support and coaching system was also a key focus area. Regular support was provided by Tusome technical staff to education field officers in the ASAL region, and additional Non-Teaching Technical (NTT) members were appointed to support the ASAL region. Communication strategies and messages were designed and shared, and the implementation of the communications strategy was monitored. Quantitative impact assessments revealed significant achievements in the ASAL counties. Over 100,000 pupils accessed the M-Shule lessons, and more than 1,000 youth groups and education officers were inducted on youth group activities. The number of youth groups and education officers who participated in work planning on youth group activities was also significant. Quantitative achievements of youth groups in ASAL counties included the distribution of COVID-19 preventive materials. The report also highlights the challenges faced by the activity, including limited resources and infrastructure in the ASAL region. However, opportunities for sustainability and exit strategy were also identified, including the establishment of partnerships with local organizations and the development of a communication strategy. The ASAL counties supported by the activity include Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Lamu, Tana River, and Kitui. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the activity's impact and achievements in the ASAL region, highlighting the importance of continued support for early grade reading initiatives in these counties.