Unlock Literacy in Urban Contexts: Adaptations, Lessons, and Implications

Unlock Literacy is strengthening children’s reading skills in complex and fragile urban environments, from dense informal settlements to migration-affected neighbourhoods, through approaches that improve access, safety, and relevance. This case study reviews how teams in Honduras, Lebanon, Peru, and the Philippines adapted the model to navigate governance challenges, inequality, and volatility, highlighting both effective strategies and limitations. It consolidates these insights into eight actionable recommendations for more inclusive and resilient literacy programming in rapidly evolving city settings.  

Implementing in the cities requires different contextual adaptations, like co-creation with children and caregivers to develop materials to give a local touch and multilingual realities of urban life. Delivery models shifted from static school-based sessions to flexible formats such as mobile hubs, pop-up reading clubs and digital libraries, ensuring access to children from informal settings and high mobility zones. Safe spaces were carefully chosen to navigate security risks and political sensitivities. 

Inclusion was a core principle. Mixed-nationality reading groups in Lebanon fostered social cohesion, while Honduras integrated children with disabilities into school-based camps. Hyper-local facilitators, in the Philippines, bridged cultural gaps and built trust, though high turnover highlighted the need for recognition and career pathways. Caregiver engagement proved to be vital; short, practical sessions and integration with psychosocial support helped families to re-engage with their children’s education.  

Governance partnerships emerged as critical enablers. Formal agreements with municipal authorities and education ministries secured policy alignment and resources in stable contexts, while informal networks—faith-based groups, migrant associations, and barangay councils—ensured safe access and continuity in fragile settings.  

The study concludes that Unlock Literacy can thrive in urban contexts when designed for flexibility, grounded in local realities, and supported by multi-level governance. Recommendations include mapping urban systems holistically, institutionalising training for teachers and community facilitators, embedding SEL and inclusive practices into every session, and monitoring both learning outcomes and enabling environment indicators. For sustaining impacts, the study suggests the need for strong partnerships, adaptive delivery models, and intentional design that blends humanitarian, development, and peace objectives.