Overview

Despite free access to education, 40 percent of students in India drop out of school before reaching the eighth grade and struggle with basic literacy. In India, USAID works with the public and private sector to improve the quality of education and reading skills in 16 Indian states by implementing reformative learning approaches.

Highlight

More than six million students are able to read better as a result of USAID-supported child literacy programs, with more than 1 million textbooks and other materials provided by USAID and more than 146,000 teachers trained.

USAID Enhances Early Learning:

Through the India Partnership for Early Learning initiative, USAID supports state governments across India to implement learning plans for foundational skills in schools, with a special emphasis on curriculum design, professional development programs for teachers, and digital learning.

USAID Partners with Room to Read to Improve Reading Outcomes:

USAID, in collaboration with Room to Read India, is improving reading outcomes among primary grade children in the government primary schools in four states. The approach fosters early literacy by focusing both on reading skills and reading habits.

USAID’s Reading Programs Demonstrate Results:

In the most effective USAID-supported literacy schools, 43% of students can read a grade appropriate text with fluency and comprehension. Moreover, as a result of
USAID’s programs, children have demonstrated improved reading skills in 9 languages in 16 states.