The Open Space Literacy (OSL) consortium sees literacy as vehicle out of poverty and acknowledges that the years 6-9 are crucial for children's linguistic development-if this window is missed there are negative consequence for later studies, and reaching full potential is compromised.
Teachers' professional skills in literacy, facilitative learning methods are often inadequate in Kenya. Pupils have limited learning materials and are taught in traditional 'chalk and talk' methods which does not foster active participation, self-paced learning or higher level thinking. While the use of digital technology and content could ameliorate the above mentioned challenges, very few public schools have access.
OSL Project Objective - Increase literacy skills of children in early grades 1-3 (ages 6-9) in 300 schools in Kenya through the provision of quality digital and non-digital content, teacher training to develop pedagogical skills for effective learning and community involvement in schools; The five year program is expected to directly impact approximately 125,000 pupils (grades 1-3), and indirectly 177,000 pupils (grades 4-8), targeting both urban and rural areas specifically poor and marginalized communities, adapting technology for those environments.
OSL endorses a student centred approach where pupils are supported to adopt a more self-paced and experimental way of learning with the help of trained teachers and feasible technologies (ICT).
Teachers will be empowered through trainings on facilitative pedagogy, integration of ICTs into teaching, gender equality and inclusive approaches in order to address pupils' individual needs (both in gender and children with special needs/disabilities).
Engagement of parents, community members and local leaders for support, security and overall program sustainability.
Government support-OSL has received approval from The Ministry of Education and Teachers service commission
The project will use adaptive digital content and utilize innovative technological solutions that are affordable, low power consuming, resilient and can enable collaboration.
