1. Project Info
Developers (Institutions):Action Foundation (TAF), Rays of Hope (ROH), and eBASE Africa
Evaluator: eBASE Africa
Target Pupil Age: Range:6 – 8 years (Grade 2)
Number of Schools: 10 schools across Kenya and Malawi (5 schools in each country)
Number of Pupils: 500 learners across treatment and control arms
2. The Project
This project focuses on enhancing numeracy skills among Grade 2 learners in Kenya and Malawi by integrating storytelling into play-based learning. The intervention aims to engage children with and without disabilities using oral, paper-based, and digital storytelling methods. Teachers will receive training in storytelling techniques, complemented by the use of the Somesha App, to improve numeracy outcomes. The project will involve five schools across both countries, operating through three intervention arms, with continuous assessment to measure progress.
3. Why Are We Rolling Out This Intervention?
In Sub-Saharan Africa, many learners struggle with basic numeracy, a problem that disproportionately affects children with disabilities and those in low-resource settings. In Malawi, only 16% of Grade 3 learners meet basic numeracy targets, while less than half of Kenya’s learners achieve proficiency at Grade 2 levels. Traditional teaching methods, such as lecture-based instruction, have shown limited effectiveness. This intervention provides a novel approach by integrating storytelling into numeracy education to increase engagement, creativity, and inclusivity, ultimately improving foundational maths among learners.
4. How Are We Evaluating It?
The evaluation will involve both quantitative and qualitative methods, including:
Quantitative Assessments: Early Grades Mathematics Assessment (EGMA) tools will be used to measure learner performance through baseline, midline, and endline testing.
Qualitative Methods: Focus group discussions (FGDs) with teachers, learners, and parents will capture feedback on the storytelling approach. Classroom observations will be conducted to monitor implementation fidelity.
Comparative Analysis: The project will compare learning outcomes between the three arms of the intervention (storytelling only, storytelling with Somesha App, and control group) to determine the most effective method for improving numeracy.
The continuous evaluation will also feature bi-weekly reviews and rapid assessments to allow for adjustments during the project, ensuring effective implementation and meaningful results.