From Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 August 2026, the HERI Africa Research Chair in Mathematics Education organised a three-day literacy training for teachers from Kangaru Primary School. The training focused on strengthening teachers’ capacity to support young learners in developing foundational reading and literacy skills.
Facilitated by members of the Landmark Christian Education Ministries team, the training addressed an important gap in practical pedagogical tools and resources for teaching phonics and early reading. Teachers were introduced to practical approaches that can be applied directly in the classroom to make literacy instruction more effective, engaging and meaningful.
A central focus of the training was an integrated approach to teaching children how to read. The approach begins with letters, their corresponding sounds and clue words, before progressing to blending and key rules of the English language.
Through practical activities and demonstrations, teachers were retooled on how to introduce these foundational skills systematically and help learners progress from recognising letters and sounds to blending them to form words and develop reading fluency.
The training also emphasised the importance of providing stronger support for language activities among young learners. Strong literacy and language skills are essential for learning across the curriculum. Without the ability to read and comprehend English effectively, learners may experience difficulties in understanding Mathematics, science and other subjects. Strengthening literacy therefore provides an important foundation for effective learning.
The three-day training was highly interactive, engaging and practical. Teachers participated in activities designed to build their competences and skills in literacy instruction while providing opportunities to practise approaches that could be adapted to their classrooms.
The sessions also provided an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their teaching practices, classroom experiences, curriculum design and implementation, lesson planning and assessment. Discussions explored how literacy learning can be made more enjoyable and engaging for young learners.
An important aspect of the training was peer learning. Teachers shared their experiences, discussed challenges encountered in their classrooms and learned from one another. This created a collaborative environment in which teachers could connect the new strategies with their own classroom realities and consider practical ways of integrating them into their teaching.
The relationship between language and learning Mathematics was also highlighted during the training. Dr Simon Karuku, HERI Africa Research Chair in Mathematics Education, reflected on the role of language skills in learner development, communication and Mathematics learning.
His reflections emphasised that learners need strong language skills to understand instructions, communicate their ideas and engage with mathematical concepts. Developing literacy therefore has implications beyond English lessons and can contribute to improved learning across different areas of the curriculum.
Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga also delivered insightful presentations and reflections on the role of language, teachers, the psychology of early-grade learners and effective pedagogies for teaching English. Her contributions encouraged teachers to consider the developmental needs of young learners and the importance of using appropriate and engaging approaches in literacy instruction.
The training culminated in each teacher receiving a certificate in recognition of their successful participation and completion of the three-day programme. The certificate presentation provided an opportunity to acknowledge the teachers’ commitment to professional learning and their willingness to strengthen their capacity to support young learners.
At the conclusion of the training, teachers reflected on and appreciated the practical skills and knowledge they had gained, as well as the opportunity to engage with colleagues and learn from their shared classroom experiences.
The three-day literacy training marks an important step in strengthening teachers’ capacity to support early literacy at Kangaru Primary School. By equipping teachers with practical approaches to phonics and early reading, the training contributes to building stronger language foundations for learning Mathematics and other subjects.
