Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
UNICEF’s Expression of Interest in South Sudan seeks partners to improve foundational literacy and numeracy using the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach. The initiative targets 17,540 children across 112 schools while strengthening teacher capacity and integrating digital learning. It aims to address learning gaps and embed evidence-based teaching practices into the national education system.
What is this UNICEF Opportunity?
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Expression of Interest (EOI) invites organizations to implement a foundational learning program in South Sudan.
The initiative focuses on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes while strengthening education systems through teacher training, evidence-based methods, and digital learning integration.
Geographic Focus
The program will be implemented in:
- Central Equatoria
- Eastern Equatoria
- Western Equatoria
- Northern Bahr el Ghazal
Program Scope and Impact
Target Beneficiaries
- 17,540 children (Grades 4–6)
Institutional Coverage
- 112 schools
Core Goal
- Improve foundational literacy and numeracy skills
- Strengthen teacher capacity and education systems
Key Focus Areas
1. Foundational Learning Improvement
- Strengthening literacy and numeracy skills
- Addressing learning gaps in upper primary grades
2. Teacher and Mentor Capacity Building
- Training educators in effective teaching practices
- Supporting mentors for ongoing guidance
3. Formative Assessments
- Continuous student evaluation
- Data-driven instruction and feedback
4. Teaching and Learning Materials
- Expanding access to tailored resources
- Improving classroom delivery quality
5. Evidence-Based Advocacy
- Promoting effective teaching models
- Supporting integration into national systems
Key Concept Explained
Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)
Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) is an evidence-based method that:
- Groups students by learning level instead of age or grade
- Uses continuous assessment to track progress
- Provides targeted instruction based on student needs
This approach has been successfully implemented across multiple countries in Africa, demonstrating strong improvements in foundational learning outcomes.
Problem Context: Why This Initiative Matters
Despite increased school enrolment in South Sudan (supported by programs like GPE and GESS), learning outcomes remain low.
Key Challenges
- Many students lack basic literacy and numeracy skills
- Teachers often lack adequate training and curriculum understanding
- Shortage of teaching and learning materials
- Weak link between enrolment and actual learning
These gaps limit academic progression and long-term socio-economic development.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants typically include:
- Experienced non-profit organizations (NGOs)
- Education-focused implementing agencies
- Organizations with experience in large-scale education programs
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Proven expertise in education or foundational learning
- Experience in teacher training and system strengthening
- Ability to operate in South Sudan or similar contexts
- Capacity to manage multi-school, large-scale projects
Why This Initiative Matters
- Addresses critical learning gaps in fragile contexts
- Promotes evidence-based education reform
- Strengthens teacher capacity and system resilience
- Improves long-term educational and economic outcomes
- Supports scalable solutions for national education policy
How to Apply / How It Works
Step-by-Step Process
- Review the Expression of Interest requirements
- Develop a proposal aligned with TaRL methodology
- Demonstrate experience in similar education programs
- Outline implementation strategy across target states
- Submit the application through UNICEF’s official platform
What to Include in Your Proposal
- Organizational profile and experience
- Project implementation plan
- Teacher training and support strategy
- Monitoring and evaluation framework
- Approach to TaRL and digital integration
- Expected outcomes and scalability plan
Tips for a Strong Application
- Emphasize experience with TaRL or similar methodologies
- Provide data-driven evidence of past impact
- Show strong local understanding of South Sudan’s context
- Highlight teacher training and sustainability strategies
- Include clear monitoring and evaluation metrics
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic education proposals without TaRL focus
- Weak teacher training strategy
- Lack of scalability or sustainability plan
- Insufficient evidence of past experience
- Ignoring contextual challenges (resources, infrastructure)
FAQs
1. What is the main objective of this UNICEF EOI?
To improve foundational literacy and numeracy while strengthening education systems in South Sudan.
2. How many children will benefit?
Approximately 17,540 children in Grades 4–6.
3. What approach is being used?
The Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology.
4. Where will the program be implemented?
Across Central, Eastern, Western Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states.
5. Who can apply?
Organizations with experience in education programs and system strengthening.
6. What makes a strong proposal?
Experience, evidence-based methods, scalability, and strong teacher training components.
7. What outcomes are expected?
Improved student learning, stronger teacher capacity, and adoption of effective teaching methods.
Conclusion
This UNICEF initiative presents a high-impact opportunity to address foundational learning challenges in South Sudan through proven methodologies like TaRL. By combining teacher training, targeted instruction, and system-level integration, the program aims to deliver sustainable improvements in education outcomes and contribute to long-term national development.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
