Deadline: 05-Sep-2025
The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is now inviting grant applications for a program focused on empowering learners through literacy. The initiative aims to improve reading fluency and motivation among children through a comprehensive and evidence-based approach.
The project will begin with a detailed assessment that includes both data analysis and interviews. It will explore how families with children aged 0–8 engage in reading, examine students’ interest in reading at school, and gather insights from teachers and librarians. A review of existing research and practices will help identify current literacy trends, successes, and challenges.
In three pilot districts, kindergartens and schools will be equipped with a wide range of age-appropriate books and learning materials. Activities will include interactive reading sessions and visits from authors, illustrators, and researchers, offering children creative ways to engage with reading.
Educators will be trained in modern, student-centered teaching approaches to adapt instruction to individual needs and enhance student motivation. Families will be included through short sessions and materials that support shared reading at home, helping to foster a reading-friendly environment.
The program will also introduce reading clubs that provide informal spaces for children to improve comprehension, develop critical thinking, share ideas, and build a sense of community. These clubs aim to support academic performance across subjects through the power of reading.
To promote a wider culture of reading, the project will feature outreach initiatives such as celebrity involvement, regional events, national campaigns, and fun reading challenges to make reading more social and inspiring.
Monitoring and sustainability will be ensured through UNICEF’s quality assurance framework. This includes regular evaluations, documentation of best practices, and planning for long-term impact and expansion.
The project will deliver a comprehensive analysis of literacy needs and practices in schools and kindergartens. Around 1,000 children will benefit directly from focused literacy activities, and 3,000 more will engage in public reading events. About 650 children are expected to show measurable improvement in reading motivation.
Additionally, 100 professionals and 100 parents will participate in activities that enhance home-school literacy collaboration. Among them, 70 professionals and 70 parents are expected to improve their skills in supporting literacy. Libraries and reading corners will be established in 18 schools and kindergartens.
Three districts will develop professional communities to support peer learning. Two national communication campaigns will raise awareness about the benefits of reading. A final report will outline recommendations for sustainability and broader impact.
This program will be implemented in Bulgaria, specifically in the Stara Zagora region. UNICEF is seeking partnerships with NGOs experienced in literacy development. Applicants can propose additional experts as part of their project team, based on the required expertise for the various activities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
