Fatogoman Coulibaly, Deputy Director at the Ministry of National Education and Literacy, outlined the National Program for Improving Early School Learning (PNAPAS) aimed at enhancing basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics among students.
The PNAPAS was initiated in response to the 2019 PASEC results, which revealed low achievement levels in Ivorian students. Following the General States of National Education (EGENA) led by Professor Mariatou Koné, the program was developed to improve student competencies through various educational methodologies.
Currently, approximately 66,000 educational actors have been trained, including 180 pedagogical supervisors and about 10,000 preschool and primary teachers. The program commenced in classrooms on September 9, 2024, with ongoing training sessions for additional educators.
Key components of the training focus on innovative tools for teaching reading and mathematics, with resources provided to both students and teachers. This includes textbooks and exercise books distributed to all students in CP1 and CP2 classes.
Future plans for PNAPAS include classroom visits by pedagogical advisors and the expansion of the program to CE1 classes in the upcoming school year. The ministry aims to ensure that all educational actors effectively implement the program to improve foundational skills in students.