Education
Academic & Literacy Support
As part of SSI’s after school program, participants engage in a one-hour study period upon arrival at the centre. During this time, they connect with specialised volunteer tutors who provide homework assistance, study skill sessions, and exam preparation tips.
Upon entering the program, participants’ reading levels are assessed to determine their current reading level. SSI Education staff provide tailored literacy program interventions to help elevate students to the appropriate reading level.
English Access Microscholarship
The English Access Microscholarship program is a two-year program funded by the US Embassy and is open to our participants as well as other students from SSI partner schools. The program provides a foundation of English language skills to selected bright students between the ages of 13 to 20 years. Participating students are also exposed to other US exchange programs and study abroad opportunities.
STEM Projects
Through STEM education, participants enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Using the Design Squad Global manual, participants are taught about engineering, innovation and how to solve problems using materials they can find at home and in their community.
University of Utah Reading Clinic Partnership
The University of Utah Reading Clinic partnered with Stepping Stones International to train teachers in Botswana in the Breakthrough to English course, an evidence-based literacy and reading comprehension model with two primary objectives:
(1) Improve rate, fluency and comprehension in reading, and
(2) Advance the skills of teachers in providing English literacy and grammar lessons.
Reading assessments demonstrate that Botswana youth test 3 to 4 reading levels below their grade level. Since most schooling and testing in Botswana is done in English, poor reading and comprehension levels pose a significant barrier to academic achievement, leading to poor pass rates and disrupted matriculation. The Breakthrough to English program, initially rolled out as a pilot, focuses on developing: fluency, vocabulary, oral language & comprehension, with special attention to infusing geographical and cultural contexts into the curriculum. Following marked success, a randomized control trial was initiated involving over 20,000 participants and Botswana’s Ministry of Basic Education partnered with SSI to bring training to over 400 teachers in 25 schools throughout the country, and counting!
Interested in implementing Breakthrough to English in your school? Get in touch to LEARN MORE!
