World Vision is implementing the Unlock Literacy Model, which aims to empower schools, parents, and communities to support children’s literacy development and to promote strong literacy habits among early grade learners both inside and outside the classroom.

Unlock Literacy approach transforms learning to read Unlock Literacy (UL) is an educational program developed by World Vision to improve reading skills from primary school.

Unlock Literacy (UL) est un programme éducatif développé par World Vision pour améliorer l’apprentissage de la lecture dès le primaire.

Unlock Literacy boosts children’s reading in fragile urban settings through flexible, inclusive models, local partnerships, and adaptive learning approaches.

At World Vision Zambia, we believe that a child’s ability to communicate and learn should never be defined by their disability. Yet, for many learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, literacy remains one of the most significant barriers to reaching their full potential. Without the right tools, these students are often left behind in a world built for sound.

There is much focus on the “middle tier” in Education systems in low- and middle-income countries at present. The middle tier describes groups of professionals at county, zone, district or provincial level whose role is to monitor and support schools (UNESCO, 2025). They are the people who often become master trainers or are tasked with supporting the implementation of a new curriculum or new initiative. The middle tier acts as a mediator between policy makers (top leadership) and implementers (teachers). We have argued that they are key actors in the implementation of high quality TPD@Scale, but that they often lack the knowledge, skills, and professional development opportunities to carry out this role effectively.

Simon, a 10 year old boy from Kisantu, struggled in silence because he could not read. After joining the RUTH Reading Club, he discovered a safe and supportive space where facilitators encouraged him step by step. Though he almost gave up, his facilitator personally came to bring him back, reminding him that he mattered. With patience and daily progress, Simon eventually read his first sentence, and everything changed. Now he reads and writes confidently and dreams of becoming a mechanic. He proudly thanks World Vision, the facilitators, and the sponsors for helping him succeed.

When World Vision Zambia introduced the Unlock Literacy model in her community, 43-year-old Bridget felt a spark of hope. As a dedicated volunteer, she had seen firsthand the challenges local children faced with basic reading, but she lacked the formal tools to help, until now.