Refugee Literacy
Chad
Due to the Darfur crisis in the Southern regions of Sudan, 150,000 Massalit people have fled to refugee camps across the Chad border. With a longstanding tradition of agrarian livelihoods, literacy rates amongst this ethnic minority are estimated at just 1-5%. However, to preserve their language as an important element of cultural identity, displaced Massalits are highly motivated for education. A mother tongue literacy program which was piloted in two camps has since extended to three more in recent years.
Afraid of their heritage being diluted, recurring expressions of interest for Massalit children to read and write in their native language has instigated a new curriculum to be incorporated as part of their formal schooling. This project aims to facilitate 4th and 5th grade Massalit literacy classes and deliver shared libraries throughout refugee camp primary schools. Selected teachers will be mentored as ‘trainers-in-training’ with the intention of enabling them to advance module development independently in the future.
Key Areas of Expenditure:
- Develop and trial curriculum
- Text book printing
- Teacher training workshops
- Library resources
