The Afghan Children Read project used an evidence-based approach to help improve reading and writing comprehension in grades 1 – 3. The project pilot covers four provinces, Kabul, Herat, Nangarhar, and Laghman, where an estimated one-half million students in both public and community-based schools have been exposed to this early grade reading model. Monitoring and assessment conducted by the project team found that access to supplementary materials and teacher guides plays an important role in the success of early grade students.

Masiullah is only nine years old, but he has already become a mentor inside the classroom. He also helps people with assignments outside the classroom, including his younger sister and other friends and family. Masiullah considers his success in school to be a result of his teacher’s efforts and the availability of new textbooks, workbooks, and storybooks provided by the Afghan Children Read project. His teacher, Manizha Khedri, says he is the top student in her class and has earned every-one’s respect at the school.

“Students in his grade and lower grades always seek out his help and assistance,” she says. “I have assigned a group of students to him so he can work with them on different school subjects.”

When asked about his experience at school, Masiullah says, “I am very happy that I can read, write, and count.”

He adds that his teacher’s support has helped motivate him and encourages him to make use of the materials provided through the project.

“When my teacher praises me, I feel very good, and it boosts my morale to study hard and help other students.”