Read to Learn Foundation

Mission:To empower communities in all their diversities with the right tools, skills, and resources to enable them to access the right early literacy development programs.

Vision: A world where every child has access to the right start in their education journey.

Core Values

Inclusion: Embracing diversity and ensuring every child, regardless of background, has equal access to quality education.

Openness: Embracing honesty through open communication, enabling staff, volunteers, and partners to freely engage.

Community centered approach: Focusing on the needs of communities and working alongside them to build sustainable educational solutions.

Partnerships - Collaborating with communities, organizations, and mentors to amplify our impact and create lasting change.

As the team lead of our organization, my role encompasses strategic vision, leadership, and hands-on management of our initiatives.

I spearhead the design and implementation of our comprehensive approach to nurturing young minds in underserved and refugee communities in Uganda and beyond. This involves Ideation and refining programs. I ensure that each component aligns with our mission and effectively addresses the challenges faced by our target communities.

In addition to strategic planning, I play a key role in day-to-day operations, overseeing the execution of our programs and initiatives. This includes coordinating with team members, partners, and stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and delivery of services.

Furthermore, I actively engage with our team to provide mentorship, guidance, and support. I foster a collaborative environment where ideas are exchanged, feedback is encouraged, and innovation is nurtured.

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution because we have worked together for over three years providing solutions and bridging educational barriers in these communities.

 Additionally we understand the challenges faced by our target population as we have lived through them ourselves. Many of us have grown up in the very communities seeing our fellows failing academically due to social, economic challenges and lack of foundational learning which affected their learning process, and seeing the majority of children struggle with reading. This is from the program manager to me, the team lead and this fuels our dedication to this cause.

Personally as a team lead, growing up in a slum with my grandmother, I faced significant obstacles to accessing education. Financial constraints meant I missed out on preschool and entered formal schooling at a disadvantage, starting in P.5 without the foundational knowledge typically gained in pre-primary classes. This lack of early education impacted my confidence and academic performance, especially as instruction was primarily in English, a language I struggled to understand. However, I discovered the power of reading books in my native language, which were fortunately available at my aunt's home. Through these books, and with my aunt's guidance, I not only learned to read and write but also taught myself to translate them into English. My personal journey underscores the importance of providing literacy resources in languages familiar to the children we serve.

Each member of our team carries a relatable  story of resilience and determination. Our shared experiences drive us to create meaningful change and address the literacy gap in our communities. We are committed to put our insights and firsthand knowledge to design solutions that are not only effective but also culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of our target population.

Integration of the SOMA Reading app into literacy development, leveraging edutech to broaden impact and diversify learning solutions for children.

The problem our solution addresses is the significant global education gap that disproportionately affects children in low-income and under-resourced regions. Despite advances in technology and increased global connectivity, millions of children remain deprived of basic educational resources, severely impeding their ability to develop literacy skills critical for personal and professional success.

This gap is most pronounced in regions where educational systems struggle to provide equitable access to quality teaching and learning materials. In many of these areas, educational resources are often outdated, culturally irrelevant, or not available in the local languages. Such discrepancies not only hinder the learning process but also fail to engage children in a meaningful way that respects and reflects their heritage and individual identities.

Moreover, the current global literacy crisis is exacerbated by a lack of trained teachers and inadequate infrastructure, which are essential for delivering effective education. The COVID-19 pandemic has further widened this gap, as many children in these regions have limited or no access to digital learning tools, making remote education a challenge. This situation is particularly bad in many parts of Africa, where the educational disparities are high.

Our solution, the SOMA Reading app, aims to bridge this educational divide by providing an accessible, scalable, and culturally relevant literacy platform. Designed for children aged 5-12, the app features a library of books in various African languages, alongside English and French, to cater to a diverse learner base. The content is not only linguistically tailored but also culturally relevant, featuring stories and characters that children in these regions can relate to and learn from.

The app also incorporates interactive elements such as quizzes, games, and animated stories to enhance engagement and retention. By using technology, the SOMA Reading app makes learning to read an enjoyable, relevant, and inclusive experience. This approach not only promotes literacy but also helps in building self-confidence among learners by providing content that affirms their cultural identities.

Additionally, the SOMA Reading app is designed to function low-tech environments, requiring minimal internet connectivity for downloading content which can then be accessed offline. This feature is crucial for areas with unreliable internet services, ensuring that the lack of connectivity does not hinder access to educational content.

Our solution is a comprehensive approach to nurturing young minds in underserved communities and refugee communities in Uganda. We've designed the Literacy Champions Fellowship, Book Clinics, and integrated an AI-powered multilingual Reading App to address the challenges these communities face in accessing educational resources.

The Literacy Champions Fellowship is a two-year physical and online program tailored for children aged 13 to 18. It aims to create grassroots champions who educate their communities and beyond. Through this fellowship, young leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge to promote literacy and education within their communities and beyond.

In addition to the fellowship, we establish community Book Clinics where these young leaders engage with children aged 2 to 12 in reading, writing and spelling activities utilizing a variety of reading materials sourced from the SOMA App, an AI-powered multilingual Reading App. This app ensures that children have access to a wide range of reading materials at different levels, catering to their individual needs and interests.

The SOMA App uses AI technology to provide a user-friendly platform where children can explore diverse content in their preferred language. It adapts to the user's reading level and offers recommendations that encourage continuous learning and engagement.

By combining these programs, we're not only addressing the lack of access to education facilities and resources but also empowering young leaders to become agents for positive change within their communities. 

Our organization has  undertaken various research initiatives to strengthen the effectiveness of our solution in addressing the educational needs of communities.

First we have done foundational research, especially desktop research, we've put time into understanding the cause of the challenges our target groups face and the potential solutions. This deep understanding of existing knowledge has not only informed our strategies but also provided valuable insights for innovative implementations.

We have conducted formative research to refine and tailor our interventions. Feasibility studies have allowed us to assess the practicality and viability of our solutions within the local context.

We have also done user interviews by having feedback sessions with our beneficiaries, including Parents, Literacy Champions and children within the communities we serve, which has provided invaluable qualitative data to facilitate the design of our programs to meet the specific needs and preferences of our audience.

Our commitment to evidence-based practices extends to having evaluations conducted by our Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) department. Through baseline and endline assessments, we systematically gauge the performance, impact, and areas for improvement of each project which has enabled us to move to methodologies that not only teach but also engage learners through play-based learning and relatable approaches hence our organization's research ranges  from foundational and formative to summative research with a dedication to evidence-based practices, we continue to refine and optimize our solutions, ensuring meaningful and sustainable impact within these communities and beyond.

The data collected mostly from our beneficiaries during the feedback sessions and our assessments reveals that children children attend our literacy programs mostly the Book clinics have improved academically for example we have a success of Anyakoit suzan who had never attended pre primary and never knew how to read and write, but joined this program for one year after which she won a scholarship from Rise Uganda but her first year when she was enrolled in school, she merged as the best reader in their class. 

The data collected from our research also informed us that learning that teaching through play is actually more effective and impactful as compared to just providing knowledge hence incorporating all our programs to play based approach. Also it shows that children from different communities have different capabilities hence the AI-powered multilingual Reading App that ensures that children have access to a wide range of reading materials at different levels, catering to their individual needs, interstate and diverse content in their preferred languages. It adapts to the user's reading level and offers recommendations that encourage children's continuous learning and engagement.

Our organization recognizes the need to strengthen the evidence base of our solution, particularly as we seek to secure partnerships with the Ministry of Education and scale our projects into school book clubs. One of the primary challenges we face is the lack of concrete evidence to prove the effectiveness of our solution. While we have observed firsthand the positive outcomes achieved by our programs, including improved literacy rates and academic performance among participating children, we have struggled to translate these successes into measurable data and metrics that match with decision-makers. Without concrete evidence demonstrating the efficacy of our interventions, particularly in comparison to existing educational frameworks, we are unable to compellingly advocate for partnership opportunities with the Ministry of Education

Additionally, despite witnessing the tangible impact of our initiatives over the past three years, we have encountered significant challenges in justifying this impact to some potential partners and stakeholders for funding yet as we endeavor to secure funding and mobilize resources to sustain and expand our initiatives, the absence of a strong evidence base presents a significant barrier. Potential donors and funders rightfully seek assurances regarding the performance and impact of the projects they support which becomes challenging to get the necessary support and investment needed to drive our mission forward.

Given the urgency and importance of our objectives, now is the opportune moment to engage in a LEAP Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening the evidence base of our solution and enhancing our capacity for impactful partnerships and scalability. By being part of this network, we can get exposed to resources and expertise to conduct  research and evaluation activities that systematically document the outcomes and effectiveness of our programs.

Through the LEAP Project, we will have the opportunity to collaborate with research institutions, data analysts, and evaluation experts to design and implement better  methodologies for data collection and analysis. 

Also, engaging in a LEAP Project will enable us to build a compelling case for our solution by generating evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations hence we can effectively engage with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, donors, and policymakers, to advocate for the integration and scaling of our programs within formal education systems.

What is the overall impact of the pear to pear literacy community based learning model

What is the impact and scalability resulting from the integration of the SOMA reading App into the literacy programs?

How effective is the literacy champions fellowship in creating grassroot literacy champions that are able to lead literacy engagements?

For the 12-week LEAP Project focused on the SOMA Reading app, the desired outputs are structured to maximize the contribution of the LEAP Fellows towards strengthening the evidence base of the solution. These outputs are designed to align with both formative and summative research methods to ensure a comprehensive approach to evaluating and enhancing the app's effectiveness.

1. Development of a Comprehensive Research Framework:

Objective: Create a structured research framework that outlines the key areas of focus, such as usability, feasibility, implementation, and impact measurement.
Output: A detailed document providing a roadmap for continuous evaluation and refinement of the app. This framework should include specific methodologies for each type of research proposed, such as usability testing protocols, interview guides for user feedback, and templates for case studies.

2. Usability Testing Plan and Analysis:

Objective: Conduct usability studies to assess the app’s interface and user interaction, particularly focusing on the app's design and navigation suited for children.
Output: A comprehensive usability testing report that includes data on user experience, ease of use, and any navigational issues encountered by users. Recommendations for design improvements based on empirical data should be provided.

3. Feasibility Study Report:

Objective: Evaluate the practical deployment of the app in diverse educational environments and technological landscapes.
Output: A detailed feasibility report that identifies logistical, technical, and contextual barriers to app deployment and usage. This should include recommendations for overcoming these barriers and strategies for scalable deployment.

4. Case Study Compilation:

Objective: Document specific instances of app usage and their impact on learning outcomes.
Output: A collection of case studies that highlight various use cases, successes, challenges, and lessons learned from different contexts and user demographics.

5. Impact Evaluation Design:

Objective: Prepare for summative assessment by designing a robust impact evaluation study.
Output: A comprehensive study design for an impact evaluation, potentially employing a quasi-experimental design or a randomized control trial, complete with data collection tools, sampling methods, and analysis plans.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Toolkit:

Objective: Develop tools and strategies for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the app’s performance and impact.
Output: An M&E toolkit that includes data collection templates, key performance indicators, and a user feedback loop mechanism to continually gather and integrate user insights into future iterations of the app.

Following the conclusion of the LEAP Project sprint and the generation of the desired outputs, our organization, the Read to Learn Foundation, plans to strategically implement these outputs to drive tangible improvements in the SOMA Reading app and its impact on literacy development among children.

1. Research Framework Integration:

The comprehensive research framework developed during the LEAP Project sprint will serve as our guidepost for ongoing evaluation and refinement efforts. It will be integrated into our organizational processes, ensuring that all future assessments and enhancements align with the defined methodologies and objectives outlined in the framework.

2. Usability Improvements:

Based on the findings and recommendations from the usability testing plan and analysis, we will initiate immediate improvements to the app's interface, navigation, and user experience. This may involve design updates, feature additions, or adjustments to improve accessibility and engagement for children.

3. Feasibility Implementation:

The feasibility study report will inform our deployment strategies, particularly in underserved regions where technological and logistical challenges may exist. We will work on implementing solutions to overcome identified barriers, such as optimizing app functionality for low-bandwidth settings or providing offline access options.

4. Case Studies Dissemination:

The compilation of case studies will be shared widely within our organization and with external stakeholders, including educators, parents, and potential funders. These real-world examples will showcase the app's impact and effectiveness in diverse contexts, encouraging broader adoption and support.

5. Impact Evaluation Preparation:

The impact evaluation design developed during the LEAP Project will be instrumental in planning future rigorous assessments of the app's educational outcomes. We will seek partnerships with research institutions or academic collaborators to conduct formal impact evaluations, leveraging the prepared study design and data collection tools.

6. M&E Toolkit Utilization:

The M&E toolkit will be integrated into our app management practices, enabling continuous monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs), user feedback collection, and iterative app improvements. Regular data reviews and analysis will inform decision-making for feature updates and content enhancements.

7. Continuous Improvement Cycle:

Overall, these outputs will feed into a continuous improvement cycle for the SOMA Reading app. Feedback loops from user engagement, usability assessments, and impact evaluations will drive iterative development cycles, ensuring that the app evolves dynamically to meet the evolving needs of learners and educators.

Organization-Level Outcomes:

Enhanced Evidence Base: The LEAP Project outputs will strengthen our evidence base, providing robust data and insights that inform decision-making processes within the organization. This enhanced evidence will guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and programmatic prioritization, ensuring that our initiatives are grounded in empirical findings and best practices.

Improved Program Effectiveness: By implementing the recommendations and findings from the LEAP Project, we anticipate a measurable improvement in the effectiveness of our literacy development programs, particularly those centered around the SOMA Reading app. This includes enhanced user experience, increased engagement levels, and ultimately, improved learning outcomes for children using the app.

Capacity Building: Engaging with LEAP Fellows and collaborating on the project will foster capacity building within our team. We will gain expertise in research methodologies, impact evaluation techniques, and data-driven decision-making processes, strengthening our organizational capabilities for future initiatives and projects.

Stakeholder Engagement: The outcomes of the LEAP Project will serve as compelling evidence for engaging with stakeholders such as donors, partners, and policymakers. Demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of our solution will facilitate collaboration, funding opportunities, and advocacy efforts in the education sector.

Solution-Level Outcomes (SOMA Reading App):

Usability Enhancements: The insights gathered from usability testing and user feedback will drive tangible improvements in the app's usability and user experience. This includes optimizing interface design, streamlining navigation, and addressing any functionality issues identified during testing.
Increased User Adoption: With a more user-friendly and engaging app interface, we anticipate an increase in user adoption rates, particularly among children in target communities. The app's accessibility and appeal will attract more users, leading to broader reach and impact.

Measurable Learning Gains: Through the implementation of impact evaluation strategies, we aim to measure and demonstrate tangible learning gains among app users. This includes improvements in literacy skills, comprehension levels, and overall educational attainment attributed to regular use of the SOMA Reading app.

Scalability and Sustainability: The LEAP Project outcomes will inform scalability and sustainability strategies for the app. Data-driven insights will guide expansion plans, resource allocation, and long-term maintenance efforts, ensuring the app's continued impact and relevance in the education landscape.

Innovative Development Cycle: The LEAP Project outcomes will establish an iterative development cycle for the app, integrating continuous user feedback, data analytics, and evidence-based improvements. This agile approach will foster innovation, responsiveness to user needs, and ongoing evolution of the app's features and content.