ATLAS Maps a Strong Course for Children's Education in Zambia

ChildFund Launches Active Teaching and Learning Approaches in Schools

Richmond, Va., April 28 – Today, children in the Mumbwa District of Zambia are no longer stuck in overcrowded classrooms with few learning materials. Thanks to the ATLAS program, they are eager and motivated to learn.

ChildFund International and the International Reading Association piloted the Active Teaching and Learning Approaches in Schools (ATLAS) in Zambia in response to the decreasing quality of education in schools.

"Children now have the confidence to raise their hands, eager to answer the questions their teachers ask them. They look forward to group activities, sharing their knowledge and learning from each other," said Doras Chirwa, program director for ChildFund Zambia.

Following the successful pilot, ATLAS will be officially launched 11 a.m. April 30 at the Hall of States in Washington, D.C. Â Chirwa and Dr. Phyllis Hildebrant, technical advisor for the International Reading Association, will be guest speakers.

ATLAS schools employ effective classroom practices, equipping teachers with professional development through training, coaching, mentoring and participation in the Teachers Quality Circles program, where best practices in teaching are shared. ChildFund Zambia teachers also participate in an exchange program with ChildFund New Zealand teachers.

"Teachers are planning better and promoting more interaction with their students with ATLAS and, as a result, students are more engaged in learning," said Chirwa.

ATLAS is a partnership and collaboration of ChildFund International, ChildFund Zambia, ChildFund New Zealand, International Reading Association, Zambia's Ministry of Education and the Mumbwa Child Development Agency.

For more information visit: http://www.childfund.org/atlas.

ChildFund International, formerly named Christian Children's Fund, is a global child development and protection agency that believes lasting changes come from children. For more than 70 years, we have helped the world's deprived, excluded and vulnerable children survive and thrive to reach their full potential and become leaders of enduring change. A member of the ChildFund Alliance, we have earned 4 stars from Charity Navigator and serve children in 31 countries.