Planning Literacy and Education Programs

Mother tongue-first literacy and education programs that benefit ethnic minority language communities don’t just happen.  Program planning that builds on local community participation in decision-making provides the supportive framework for relevant, quality education programs.  Program planners cannot control all the factors involved in the success or failure of a program. However, they can identify the factors associated with successful and sustainable programs:

  • Local community members decide the needs and goals that form the basis for the program, whether in the formal or non-formal education system.
  • The intended beneficiaries of the program recognize its benefits and support teachers and administrators.
  • Government and non-government agencies and institutions also support the program.
  • Planners link the program to other education and development opportunities so that the learners can continue their education and training on a formal, non-formal, or informal basis.  
  • Stakeholders work together to develop a long-range program plan that includes regular evaluations and, based on the results, adjustments to the implementation process.
  • Planners base programs on preliminary research that identifies the resources (people, materials, cultural knowledge and wisdom) to support the program and the factors that might hinder implementation and sustainability.

SIL supports individuals and organizations engaged in planning quality literacy and education programs by:

  • Identifying the essential components of programs that are successful and sustained and providing resources that planners can adapt and use in their own programs. 
  • Conducting ‘training of trainers’ workshops that bring together individuals from multiple communities and countries so they can share ideas and learn from each other about what is involved in planning, implementing and sustaining quality programs.
  • Maintaining electronic communication with program leaders to encourage and support them as they continue developing their programs.

Program Planning Resources