Deadline: 07-Feb-2026

UNICEF Colombia invites qualified organizations to support early literacy programs for children, targeting Departments of Norte de Santander, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Antioquia. The initiative focuses on teacher training, pedagogical support, digital learning tools, and the ATAL initial literacy pathway, aiming to address the critical literacy gap affecting six out of ten Colombian children by age ten.

Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has issued a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for organizations to enhance early literacy outcomes in Colombia. The initiative focuses on improving reading and writing skills among children and strengthening the capacity of teachers and school administrators through targeted interventions. Selected organizations will receive an indicative budget of $250,000 to support program implementation.

Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities

Key priorities of this initiative include:

• Education: Emphasis on general education and early literacy development.

• ATAL Literacy Pathway: Implementation and systematization of the initial literacy pathway ATAL.

• Teacher and Administrator Training: Structured professional development and support.

• Educational Materials and Lesson Planning: Provision of pedagogical resources and guidance.

• Technological Integration: Use of digital tools such as Profe Azul, Bookbot, and FLAPP for personalized learning and outcome measurement.

• Measurement and Assessment: Monitoring reading and writing outcomes to guide interventions.

• Language Circles Strategy: Implementation in targeted schools to encourage literacy engagement.

Geographic Scope

The program targets schools across the Departments of Norte de Santander, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Antioquia. Initial implementation will occur in certified Education Secretariats in Cúcuta, Turbo (Antioquia), and one municipality in Cauca to be determined.

Why This Initiative Matters

• Critical Literacy Gap: Six out of ten Colombian children cannot read or understand a simple text by age ten.

• Foundation for Learning: Early literacy is essential for all future educational outcomes.

• Teacher Capacity Building: Strengthens instructional skills through structured training.

• Digital Learning Integration: Combines educational content, pedagogical support, and assessment for personalized recommendations.

• Inclusive Approach: Supports targeted schools and provides resources for diverse learning needs.

How to Apply / How the Program Works

1. Expression of Interest Submission: Organizations submit proposals demonstrating experience in literacy programs, teacher training, and educational technology integration.

2. Proposal Evaluation: UNICEF evaluates applicants based on organizational capacity, expertise, and alignment with program priorities.

3. Implementation Planning: Selected organizations develop detailed workplans for teacher training, provision of materials, and integration of digital tools.

4. Digital Tool Integration: Tools like Profe Azul, Bookbot, and FLAPP are implemented to monitor literacy outcomes and generate personalized recommendations for students.

5. Language Circles Deployment: Implement literacy-focused circle sessions in targeted schools using Bookbot and supplementary materials.

6. Monitoring and Reporting: Organizations report on progress, student outcomes, and program effectiveness to ensure continuous improvement.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Incomplete EOIs: Ensure all required sections, organizational experience, and supporting documents are included.

• Weak alignment: Demonstrate clear relevance to early literacy priorities and ATAL implementation.

• Neglecting digital integration: Highlight how Profe Azul, Bookbot, and FLAPP will be used effectively.

• Insufficient training plans: Provide detailed strategies for teacher and administrator capacity building.

• Limited geographic focus: Clearly identify target schools and municipalities in line with program priorities.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the indicative budget for this initiative? A1: $250,000.
Q2: Who can apply? A2: Qualified organizations with experience in early literacy, teacher training, and educational technology.
Q3: Which regions are prioritized? A3: Norte de Santander, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Antioquia.
Q4: What digital tools are integrated into the program? A4: Profe Azul, Bookbot, and FLAPP.
Q5: What is the ATAL literacy pathway? A5: A structured initial literacy program guiding reading and writing instruction.
Q6: What are Language Circles? A6: Literacy-focused group sessions implemented in schools to engage children in reading and writing activities.
Q7: How will impact be measured? A7: Through assessment of reading and writing outcomes and the generation of personalized learning recommendations.

Conclusion

UNICEF Colombia’s Early Literacy initiative provides a strategic opportunity to address the nation’s critical literacy gap by strengthening teacher capacity, integrating digital learning tools, and implementing structured literacy programs. By targeting key departments and using evidence-based strategies, selected organizations can contribute to sustainable improvements in reading and writing outcomes for Colombian children.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.