RFAs: Improving Foundational Learning Through Teacher Training and Support (Sudan)

UNICEF is inviting applications from qualified partners to strengthen education outcomes for conflict-affected children in Sudan through teacher capacity development and improved foundational learning programmes. The initiative will support Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and Education in Emergencies (EiE) approaches across 310 schools, training 2,170 teachers in targeted states.

Overview of the UNICEF Sudan Education Initiative

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking partners to implement an education programme focused on improving foundational learning outcomes for children affected by conflict in Sudan.

The initiative aims to strengthen teachers’ skills, improve classroom practices, and expand access to quality education for children experiencing learning disruptions due to emergencies.

The programme will support schools in:

• East Darfur.
• Central Darfur.
• North Darfur.
• South Darfur.
• Aj Jazirah State.
• Khartoum State.

Purpose of the Programme

The main objective of the UNICEF initiative is to improve foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning outcomes for conflict-affected children.

The programme focuses on:

• Strengthening teacher capacity.
• Improving teaching quality.
• Supporting children with learning gaps.
• Expanding education opportunities during emergencies.
• Building sustainable teacher support systems.

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports several education priorities, including:

• Education in emergencies (EiE).
• Foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Out-of-school education support.
• Adolescent skills development.
• Social and emotional learning.
• Teacher professional development.
• Learning assessment systems.

Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Approach

A major component of the programme is the implementation of Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL).

TaRL is an evidence-based education approach that groups children according to their current learning levels rather than only their age or grade.

The approach helps teachers:

• Identify children’s learning needs.
• Provide targeted instruction.
• Improve literacy and numeracy skills.
• Support children who have fallen behind.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The programme integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into classroom activities.

SEL helps children develop:

• Emotional awareness.
• Communication skills.
• Positive relationships.
• Confidence and resilience.
• Problem-solving abilities.

Teachers will be trained to include SEL practices in daily teaching activities.

Education in Emergencies (EiE)

The programme also strengthens Education in Emergencies (EiE) approaches to ensure children affected by conflict continue receiving learning opportunities.

EiE activities focus on:

• Maintaining safe learning environments.
• Supporting vulnerable children.
• Adapting education delivery during crises.
• Improving emergency teaching practices.

Programme Implementation Activities

The selected partners will support several activities across targeted states.

Training of Education Personnel

The programme will establish a training and support structure involving:

• Master Trainers.
• Locality-level trainers.
• Head teachers.
• Mentors.
• Instructional supervisors.

These education professionals will receive training on:

• TaRL implementation.
• SEL integration.
• EiE teaching approaches.
• Learning assessments.
• Classroom support methods.

Teacher Capacity Development

A total of 2,170 teachers will be trained through the programme.

Teachers will receive:

• Training materials.
• Learning assessment tools.
• Instructional guidance.
• Mentoring support.
• Classroom improvement support.

The goal is to equip teachers with practical skills to improve children’s foundational learning outcomes.

School-Level Learning Support

The programme will deliver integrated TaRL and SEL remedial lessons in 310 targeted schools.

Learning activities will include:

• Mathematics instruction.
• Arabic language sessions.
• Foundational literacy activities.
• Numeracy improvement activities.
• Social-emotional learning practices.

Mentoring and Supervision System

To maintain quality implementation, UNICEF partners will establish ongoing support systems.

Activities will include:

• Classroom observation visits.
• Teacher mentoring.
• Feedback sessions.
• Attendance monitoring.
• Learning assessment reviews.
• Programme quality supervision.

Why This Programme Matters

Conflict has disrupted education systems and created major learning challenges for children in Sudan.

The UNICEF programme helps address these challenges by:

• Supporting children affected by emergencies.
• Improving access to quality education.
• Strengthening teacher skills.
• Reducing learning gaps.
• Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
• Building stronger education systems.

Investing in teacher development and foundational learning helps children recover lost learning opportunities and continue their education despite difficult circumstances.

Who Can Participate as UNICEF Partners?

The opportunity is intended for qualified organizations capable of implementing education programmes in humanitarian settings.

Potential partners should have experience in:

• Education programming.
• Teacher training.
• Education in emergencies.
• Community-based learning.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Working in conflict-affected areas.

Organizations should demonstrate:

• Technical expertise.
• Operational capacity.
• Ability to manage education activities.
• Experience coordinating with education stakeholders.

Expected Results of the Programme

The initiative aims to achieve:

• Improved foundational literacy and numeracy skills among children.
• Better teaching practices in targeted schools.
• Increased teacher capacity.
• Stronger education supervision systems.
• Improved integration of SEL approaches.
• Better monitoring of learning progress.

How the Programme Will Be Implemented

Implementation will involve several key stages:

Step 1: Develop Training and Mentoring Plans

Partners will create detailed plans covering:

• Target locations.
• Training schedules.
• Teacher support activities.
• Mentoring approaches.
• Monitoring systems.

Step 2: Train Education Personnel

Training will be provided to:

• Master Trainers.
• Local trainers.
• Teachers.
• School leaders.
• Supervisors.

Step 3: Deliver Classroom Learning Activities

Teachers will implement:

• TaRL lessons.
• SEL activities.
• EiE teaching practices.
• Learning assessments.

Step 4: Monitor and Improve Programme Quality

Partners will conduct:

• School visits.
• Classroom observations.
• Teacher feedback sessions.
• Assessment reviews.
• Progress reporting.

Monitoring and Evaluation Approach

The programme will use monitoring systems to measure progress.

Key monitoring activities include:

• Tracking teacher participation.
• Reviewing classroom practices.
• Assessing student learning outcomes.
• Documenting challenges and successes.
• Improving programme delivery.

Tips for Potential Applicants

Organizations preparing applications should:

• Demonstrate previous education emergency experience.
• Highlight teacher training expertise.
• Explain how learning outcomes will be measured.
• Include realistic implementation plans.
• Show knowledge of local education challenges.
• Demonstrate strong monitoring systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals without education sector experience.
• Providing unclear teacher training methods.
• Ignoring monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Failing to explain community and school engagement.
• Underestimating operational challenges in conflict areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UNICEF Sudan Education Programme?

The UNICEF Sudan Education Programme supports partners to improve foundational learning outcomes for conflict-affected children by strengthening teacher skills and implementing education approaches such as TaRL, SEL, and EiE.

What learning approaches will the programme support?

The programme supports Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and Education in Emergencies (EiE) approaches.

How many schools will benefit from the programme?

The initiative will support learning improvements in 310 targeted schools across selected states in Sudan.

How many teachers will receive training?

A total of 2,170 teachers will be trained and equipped to deliver improved learning activities and assessments.

What subjects will be covered through the remedial lessons?

The programme will support foundational learning activities, including Mathematics and Arabic instruction, along with social-emotional learning practices.

Why is teacher capacity development important in Sudan?

Teacher training helps improve classroom quality, supports children affected by conflict, and strengthens education systems during emergencies.

What type of organizations can apply as UNICEF partners?

Organizations with experience in education, teacher development, humanitarian response, and education in emergencies can apply if they have the required technical and operational capacity.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Sudan Education Initiative provides an important opportunity to strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes for children affected by conflict. By training teachers, expanding TaRL and SEL approaches, and strengthening education support systems, the programme aims to help thousands of children regain essential literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.