Catching up: Lessons in implementing accelerated learning programmes in South African schools

HANDS-ON Experience Learning July 2025 | Issue 30

OPPORTUNITY

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Accelerate learning Stop nutritional stunting foryoung learners failed of children. by the system.

CATCHING UP: LESSONS IN IMPLEMENTING ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAMMES IN SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS In South Africa, eight out of every 10 Grade 4 learners in South Africa do not meet the low international benchmark for reading set by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), which serves as an indicator of learners' ability to make sense of texts. The ability to recognise words and make sense of them is essential for reading and overall learning. Without these core literacy skills, learners can struggle to keep up with the school curriculum, leading to frustration and disengagement. Over time, this disengagement contributes to a much larger issue – the risk of dropping out.

This learning brief is an overview of the Accelerated Learning Project’s five-year journey of development, which included various phases of implementation and iteration. By continuously refining mentorship and evaluation processes, this project aims to empower learners and support community-based organisations to deliver highquality educational outcomes.

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CATCHING UP: LESSONS IN IMPLEMENTING ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAMMES IN SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS

Issue 30 /// July 2025

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Catching up: Lessons in implementing accelerated learning programmes in South African schools

Published on Jul 4, 2025

DG Murray Trust

In South Africa, eight out of every 10 Grade 4 learners in South Africa do not meet the low international benchmark for reading set by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), which serves as an indicator of learners' ability to make sense of texts. The ability to recognise words and make sense of them is essential for reading and overall learning. Without these core literacy skills, learners can struggle to keep up with the school curriculum, leading to frustration and disengagement. Over time, this disengagement contributes to a much larger issue – the risk of dropping out. This learning brief is an overview of the Accelerated Learning Project’s five-year journey of development, which included various phases of implementation and iteration. By continuously refining mentorship and evaluation processes, this project aims to empower learners and support community-based organisations to deliver highquality educational outcomes.