FLI is a cooperative effort between the FOL, the WE-CARE Foundation, Comic Relief USA, and HIPPY-International, with the goal of teaching parents of preschool children in five impoverished communities how to engage in nurturing and learning activities that prepare their children for school. The goal is to prepare 3, 4 and 5-year old children for long-term academic success while helping parents become more effective at working with their children as they develop their own literacy skills.
According to a UNESCO estimate in 2022 puts the literacy rate of Liberia at 48.3%; adult literacy especially in rural areas is 34%. This includes 48.4% for male and 24.1% for female. As the rural economy currently contributes 25-30% to the GDP, literacy in these parts is important for the Liberian economy. Parents are unable to help their children because of the lack of their own skills. Family and adult literacy curriculum will be provided in five rural communities to address this problem.
Children who benefit from quality, equitable, and inclusive early education are better prepared for primary school, will reach better education outcomes, are more likely not to repeat grades and have a better chance of completing high school. Using a home visitation model, a home visitor role plays with the parent. Learning occurs through the modeling and dialog between the parent and child. Group meetings focus on school involvement, community improvement, and personal development.
FLI aims to raise the participation rate in school, get children to start school at appropriate ages, and stay in school for the long-term. Parents will increase their literacy skills, have increased and sustained involvement in school and community, and stronger parent-child relationships. Participants will develop a love for learning. FLI aims to create a workforce of paraprofessionals trained in coaching parents to be involved in their children's education, as well as increase their skills.
