L3 Initiative

Last week in Kigali, I spent 3 days learning about the L3 initiative with EDC (Education Development Centre). L3 is a USAID funded project designed to support Language, Literacy and Learning in Rwanda. They have designed a set of materials, including audio lessons (transmitted via mobile phone SD cards), story books for teachers to read aloud and books that children can take home. At the moment, the materials are being trialled in 90 experimental schools. But it is hoped that if they make a positive impact, they will go nationwide next January.

Modelling a Kinyarwanda lesson

The training was very interesting. We got to participate in and observe some model lessons taught using the materials (I was even asked to take on the role of a P1 child in a Kinyarwanda lesson which was highly entertaining as I got into character and may have been a slightly naughty child, not helped by my lack of understanding most of the language!). We also had the chance to try out the monitoring tools and make suggestions for how they could be improved.

I can see numerous benefits to using this initiative in Rwanda. For example, many teachers here struggle with teaching English, something this initiative supports in a creative manner particularly through the use of audio lessons. As partners with USAID, I hope that VSO will continue to collaborate in this initiative and I am excited about my involvement in this. I have already offered to write some stories for the next set of materials and I might even get the chance to write or record some songs for them to use.