DR Congo: 30 Inspectors Trained on the Unlock Literacy 2.0 Approach to Transform Reading in Schools

As part of the Tusange bua Kalasa project in Kasaï Central, a training workshop for itinerant inspectors from the Ministry of Education was held from 22 to 28 August 2025 in Kananga. The aim was to strengthen trainers’ capacities on the Unlock Literacy 2.0 approach, an innovative method developed by World Vision to improve primary school pupils’ reading skills.

A Response to an Alarming Challenge

According to a baseline survey conducted by World Vision at the launch of the TKK project funded by the European Union, only 9% of children completing Grade 3 in partner schools can read with comprehension. This alarming finding prompted the introduction of the Unlock Literacy approach as a pedagogical solution to address this challenge.

“No child can progress in their studies if they cannot read with comprehension. That is why we must intervene from the earliest years,” said Jean Pierre Kibawa, workshop facilitator and Education Specialist at World Vision DRC’s national office.

Following the training, the 30 itinerant inspectors are now equipped to:

• integrate the Unlock Literacy model into the national reading and writing curriculum;

• Become familiar with the basic training guide and teacher’s manual;

• Organise initial teacher training ;

• Support Teacher Professional Development (TPD) and provide pedagogical coaching.

Strong Testimonies

Pleased with the training, the participants expressed their satisfaction and pledged to put all the lessons learned into practice.

“This training has enabled me to understand how to structure an effective reading session. I am ready to support teachers in this process,” said Thérèse Kabamba, an inspector.

It should be noted that this programme is part of a broader vision of strengthening basic skills for inclusive and quality education.