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Children's Functional
Literacy Reading and Math Program
History
For the past few years the founder of
Guyanese Outreach, Ruth Singh, realized there was a critical need to
help children learn to read. This vision became a reality in March
2005 when GO started the After School Functional Literacy Program at
the Skeldon Primary School Annex and the GMO building, Springlands.
GO’s program is designed to help those
children that are in need. There are many children that cannot read
nor write at a functional level.
Guyanese Outreach realizes that a child
cannot learn to read without proper knowledge in phonics, which is a
foundation for success in reading. GO’s program focuses on phonics
and is designed to complement the reading curricula at the public
school level in Guyana. GO’s supplemental curricula
in sound and phonics have been
approved by the Education Department for Region 6.
Current Efforts
The
functional literacy program currently includes 3 satellite locations
in and around Corriverton with teachers specially trained in
phonics by Guyanese Outreach.
U.S. teams continue to add creativity,
puppetry and crafts to make learning fun. The parents’ response to
GO’s literacy classes has been very enthusiastic.
These teachers generally live in the same villages where the classes
are held. The majority of them have not been formally trained as
teachers. But they are dedicated to improving these children’s lives
by teaching them to read. The teachers understand that education is
critical for these children to have a future and a hope to better
their lives. The teachers are paid a small stipend.
GO provides a small snack to these
children before class begins since they
are in the Public school all day arrive at GO at
3:00 p.m. They come to us not only
eager to learn but some are also physically hungry. These
children range in age from seven to ten
years. This program
supplements their lessons in the public school. Through the
Functional Literacy Program, GO is hoping to guide more students to
the Secondary Level of education.
The Next Step
GO’s functional literacy program has been a resounding success. The
children’s grades are improving. In many cases from a "D" to a "C"
or a "B". Thus far over 1,000 students haves attended our program.
We would like to expand the program, but need funding to accomplish
this goal. Any donations are greatly appreciated.
 We
are currently
expanding the program to include a math
component.During the class period, the
children spend the first half in the literacy program and the other
half in math. The math curriculum was developed
by volunteers in the US and then brought to Guyana..The staff
is trained on how to teach the new program.
This math curriculum enables the slower children to have “hands-on”
tools which helps them to learn. In an
increasingly global economy, math is an essential skill
for future opportunities.
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