World Vision: Catch Up Learning Programme

World Vision initiated the Catch-Up Programme (CUP) in response to COVID-19 education disruption.

CUP focuses on the acquisition of early-grade literacy and numeracy skills in vulnerable communities.

It is designed to provide safe, play-based, inclusive and carefully sequenced instruction at the right level that also addresses the social-emotional learning of children.

The three key actions of the CUP project are:

1. Mobilizes communities to support children’s learning.
2. Supports the well-being of community facilitators.
3. Forges partnerships with schools and teachers to provide holistic support.

The Open University conducted a research visit in May 2024 to:

• Explore how the Catch-Up Programme is being adopted in Zimbabwe and across different schools.
• Identify common aspects and differences in implementation and adaptation developed locally.
• Understand strengths, challenges, and opportunities for increasing learning outcomes for the most vulnerable children.

The research was qualitative and the activities were:

• Observation of Catch-Up Club sessions.
• Discussions with participating children and facilitators.
• Focus groups and interviews with school teachers and school heads.
• Focus groups with parents and community members.

Some considerations and recommendations to strengthen the outcomes and sustainability of the CUP programme include:

• Retention and support strategies, particularly for volunteers.
• Targeting the most vulnerable children.
• Using an integrated approach to literacy teaching and learning.
• Making sufficient time for CUP learning.
• Parental engagement and learning beyond the school.

The Open University will support World Vision through mixed-methods research to explore the effectiveness, relevance and adaptation of the CUP programme.