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Functional
Literacy Program
 History
For the past few years the founder of
Guyanese Outreach, Ruth Singh, realized there was a critical need to
help children learn to read and write. This vision became a reality in March
2005 when GO started the After School Functional Literacy Program at
the Skeldon Primary School Annex and the GMO building in Springlands.
GO's program is designed to help those
children that are in need. There are many children that cannot read
nor write at a functional level.
Guyanese Outreach realizes that a child
cannot learn to read without proper knowledge in phonics, which is a
foundation for success in reading. GO's program focuses on phonics
and is designed to complement the reading curricula at the public
school level in Guyana. GO's supplemental curricula
in sound and phonics have been
approved by the Education Department for Region 6.
Current Efforts
The functional literacy program is taught by
teachers specially trained in
phonics by Guyanese Outreach.
U.S. teams continue to add creativity,
puppetry and crafts to make learning fun. The parents' response to
GO's literacy classes has been very enthusiastic.
These teachers generally live in the same villages where the classes
are held. The majority of them have not been formally trained as
teachers. But they are dedicated to improving these children's lives
by teaching them to read. The teachers understand that education is
critical for these children to have a future and a hope to better
their lives. The teachers are paid a small stipend.
 GO provides a small snack to these
children before class begins since they
are in the Public school all day, they arrive at GO at
2:30 p.m. They come to us not only
eager to learn but some are also physically hungry. These
children range in age from seven to nine
years. This program
supplements their lessons in the public school. Through the
Functional Literacy Program, GO is hoping to equip
more students with skills for
the Secondary Level of education.
GO's Functional
Literacy Program has been a resounding success. The children's
grades are improving. In many cases from a "D" to a "C" or a "B".
Thus far over 1,000 students have attended our program. We would
like to expand the program, but need funding to accomplish this
goal. Any donations are greatly appreciated.
Adult
Literacy
We have previously offered an adult literacy class for parents who are unable to
read. It is often difficult for adults to attend classes
consistently. It's good for
parents to learn along with their children. We need funding
in order to continue offering this course. Please kindly consider
making a donation to Guyanese Outreach to help us continue this
program
Computer Math
We have expanded the program
to include a math component. During the class period, the children
spend the first half in the literacy program and the other half in
math. The math curriculum was developed by volunteers in the US and
then brought to Guyana. This math curriculum enables the children to have "hands-on" tools
which helps them to learn. In an increasingly global economy, math
is an essential skill for future opportunities.
 The
government reported that the math scores of students had decreased
by 14%. The Headmistress (HM) of the Messiah Primary School asked
Guyanese Outreach for help.
GO has started a math
program for second-grade students. GO developed a new curriculum
with worksheets to teach the children math through educational apps
on tablets.
The graph below shows the students' scores
increased significantly when using the new math curriculum.
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