VVOB Early Grade Reading Instruction (EGRI) Project

About

The VVOB Early Grade Reading Instruction (EGRI) project is a multi-year initiative that aims to strengthen reading outcomes among early-grade learners in South Africa, focusing primarily on isiZulu Home Language instruction in the Foundation Phase. Through a partnership between VVOB and local education authorities in KwaZulu-Natal, the programme addresses ongoing challenges in reading performance by enhancing teacher professional development. JET has been appointed as an independent researcher for the EGRI pilot phase (2024–2025) to develop insights and recommendations for programme scaling.

Objective

The main objectives of the EGRI are:

Equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to deliver effective early grade reading instruction in isiZulu, using a blend of online modules, face-to-face sessions, and PLC engagement.⁠⁠ Enable district education personnel to mentor and support teachers, fostering sustainability and scaling of best practices across schools and districts.⁠⁠ Assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a blended CPD approach for teachers and school managers, to identify scalable, contextually relevant solutions.⁠⁠

Provide rigorous, data-driven insights into programme implementation, changes in teacher knowledge, classroom practice, and learner outcomes, informing both policy and practice for reading reform in South Africa.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Establish a framework for scaling and continuous improvement. Increase the proportion of young learners able to read and comprehend texts in isiZulu by strengthening the quality of instruction in the Foundation Phase.⁠⁠⁠⁠