Interactive Audio Learning in Niger – Lessons learned from the pilot phase

• In Event: Distance Interactive Audio Learning: Defying obscurantism by accessing education where schools and education are attacked

Proposal

Concern’s "Learning Together" program in Niger funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) aim to support schooling for vulnerable children in regions affected by the humanitarian crisis. It supports 250 schools and works in areas where schools are closed to give children affected by the security crisis access to quality education, thereby strengthening social cohesion and well-being.
As part of this project, Concern implements Interactive audio lessons activity to support the continuity of learning for children in areas where schools are closed, or for displaced children who have had no access to learning for a significant period. Interactive audio lessons are designed to ensure continuity and exposure to learning in literacy and numeracy with the help of a facilitator. The audio lessons follow the national curriculum’s objectives and have been adapted by a Ministry taskforce made of curriculum experts and qualified teachers. Lessons are kept short to ensure focus and therefore priority is given to the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills and ensure integration of messages and activities reinforcing psychosocial support. Following the adaptation of scripts from Raising on Air for levels 1 and 2 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the first 80 lessons were recorded in studio with teachers to ensure pace, flow and clarity. A learner booklet for visual support accompanies each lesson.
A pilot phase was carried out in 2023 in twenty villages, particularly affected by school closures, considering the recommendations and mitigation measures from the conflict sensitivity analysis. The methods of delivery were adapted from the original design to reduce risks that were identified during the analysis. At the end of the pilot, discussions were held again with listening club facilitators and authorities to follow up on the implementation and monitor further risks.
Scaling up of the activity is starting at the end of 2023 and lessons learned from the pilot phase and adaptation to the scale up will be presented on this panel.

Author

• Basile OUBDA, Concern Worldwide