DUSHANBE, September 24, 2014, Asia-Plus – According the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Susan M. Elliott on September 23 joined Chairman of Danghara District (Hukumat) Mahmadullo Saidaliyev, Head of Secondary Department of the Ministry of Education and Science Abdujabbor Aliyev, regional education officials, teachers, parents and students as School No. 4 celebrated the 48th annual International Literacy Day in Danghara District of Khatlon Province.

Literacy Day is celebrated around the world as a reminder of the importance and power of literacy.  According to UNESCO, literacy is a fundamental human right and essential to meeting our shared goals of education for all.  While great progress has been made worldwide, approximately 774 million adults in the world are not literate, and two-thirds of them are women.  Literacy begins early, even before a child learns to read on his or her own; reading to children ignites their love of reading and lifelong learning.

USAID is a steadfast partner with the Government of Tajikistan in the education sector, placing special importance on education for all.  In recognition of the 2014 International Literacy Day, the USAID Student Motivation Learning Program contributed 7,260 books to 165 schools in five Khatlon districts.  Each school received a package of books containing folk tales, poems, and classic literature. Overall, 11,055 books for all ages have made their way from the program to school libraries in Khatlon Province.

Ambassador Elliott remarked at the event, “For the past 12 years, the U.S. Government has been an active partner of the Government of Tajikistan in the education sector. Together we are strengthening the capacity of teachers to improve students’ motivation for learning.”

The USAID Student Motivation Learning Program was collaboratively designed with the Ministry of Education and Science and school personnel to encourage students to stay in school.  The Ministry and education officials acknowledged the value of USAID’s support and guidance offered through SMLP.  The program has helped 83 schools in Khatlon to identify 3,250 students who were struggling in school during two academic years. Schools closely monitor these students’ attendance and course work, and communicate with their families to better support their continued education.  The program also provides after school tutoring to boost learning in core subjects.  Program interventions are being evaluated to determine their effectiveness.  Ultimately, the program will generate guidance on successful strategies that can be used for improving student motivation and retention throughout the country and region.

The USAID Student Motivation Learning Program is one of the many assistance projects made possible by the American people.  Since 1992, the American people have provided over $1 billion in programs and humanitarian aid that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education and economic growth.