Senegal CI (Cours d'Initiation) Curriculum - Reading

The Cours d'Initiation (CI), or first grade, in Senegal has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in reading instruction. A major shift has been towards bilingual education, incorporating national languages like Wolof, Pulaar, and Serer alongside French. This approach is guided by the Modèle harmonisé de l'éducation bilingue du Sénégal (MOHEBS), which aims to improve early-grade reading outcomes by building a strong foundation in literacy using students' mother tongues.

Lecture Pour Tous (Reading for All)

The USAID-funded program, Lecture Pour Tous (LPT), played a crucial role in developing and implementing this bilingual model from 2016-2021. LPT worked in partnership with the Ministry of National Education to train teachers, develop reading materials in national languages, and conduct Early Grade Reading Assessments (EGRA) to monitor progress. LPT focused on CI and CP (Cours Préparatoire, or second grade), creating specific reading materials and assessments in Wolof, Pulaar, and Serer. The program's success contributed to the formal adoption of the MOHEBS framework in April 2021.

Renforcement de la Lecture Initiale pour Tous (RELIT)

Following LPT, the Renforcement de la Lecture Initiale pour Tous (RELIT) program continues to support the implementation of MOHEBS. RELIT focuses on ensuring high-quality, evidence-based bilingual reading instruction and teacher training. RELIT also supports the communication and community mobilization efforts around MOHEBS, working with the Ministry of National Education and other partners.

Bilingual Education Model (MOHEBS)

The MOHEBS framework represents a significant shift in Senegal's education system. It promotes a "simultaneous" bilingual approach, using both national languages and French as mediums of instruction. This model aims to leverage students' existing language skills to improve learning outcomes and facilitate a smoother transition to French-based instruction in later grades. The implementation of MOHEBS is ongoing, with continued efforts to train teachers, develop resources, and expand the program to all schools.