Soma Umenye (“read and understand”)

Soma Umenye (Read and Understand) supports the Government of Rwanda's efforts to improve the quality of classroom reading instruction and strengthens systemic capacity throughout the education sector to sustain reading improvements. The ultimate goal of Soma Umenye is to increase the number of grade 1–3 students in Rwanda who are able to read and understand grade-level text. Major activities include improving professional development and providing ongoing support for teachers, ensuring teachers and students have sufficient materials for reading instruction and practice, and helping teachers focus on students' learning outcomes. Soma Umenye also supports the development and implementation of supportive policies for the teaching of reading in the early grades, including policies and systems related to teacher training and assessment, and evaluation of students' learning.