Lira | There was an issue that many people were unaware of: not all children had access to books.
Because of a lack of funds and resources, many families, particularly those in rural areas (or on the outskirts of towns), were unable to travel to town in search of a book and pen.
Some town’s children, who were once eager to read, now lacked the resources to explore the world of books. However, Barapwo and Omito Primary Schools (Lira City), as well as Otwal and Anyomolyec Primary Schools (Oyam district), will now have more reasons to be happy.
Community Focus International (CFI), through Alternative Basic Education (ABE), has now launched a new learning model known as the “Literacy on Wheels Project.”
The partnership between CFI and Read to Learn, an NGO working on the Literacy on Wheels project, will help literacy on wheels champions reach out to learners in new ways.
Literacy on Wheels uses mobile libraries staffed by trained literacy champions to bring books and reading activities directly into the community.
Once successfully implemented, this project will foster a reading culture, engage children and their families in literacy activities, and ensure consistency in reading practice outside of the classroom.
It will help to reinforce foundational learning and build a link between school-based and community-based learning, ensuring that children have access to reading materials and support both at home and at school.
Additionally, the current project’s main aim is to leverage these partnerships and previous work to develop a holistic approach to education, encompassing foundational skills, life skills, and early childhood development.
The lessons from ABE and Literacy on Wheels emphasize the importance of community-centered education, which requires ongoing support and active participation from families and local leaders.
By embedding these community-oriented strategies, CFI can promote sustainable learning environments where learners not only gain academic skills but also become confident, capable learners within supportive communities.
Previous projects have demonstrated that involving parents, teachers, and community volunteers has a significant impact, so continuing this practice will eventually maximize outreach and engagement.
The writer is an intern in the communications department at CFI.
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