Based on the survey conducted by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) which was released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2019, Indonesia is ranked 62 out of 70 countries, or is in the bottom 10 countries with a low literacy rate. The data shows that literacy issues are one of the challenges in education sector that must be addressed in Indonesia. In addition, according to a study conducted by WLF and Kuark International in 2019 in Tambolaka, Southwest Sumba district, most students are at the lower extreme level. This condition indicates that the educational development of students in the area is two to three years behind their actual age. The students’ ability to read, spell, and write is also at the level of extreme low average skills. The teaching ability of teachers also still requires various capacity building efforts, especially in improving cognitive abilities and teaching competence.

To answer these challenges, William & Lily Foundation (WLF) works to improve access to high-quality literacy and numeracy in primary education. Together with our implementing partners, WLF provides capacity building to related actors (elementary teachers) and institutions (elementary schools) to apply effective teaching methods for literacy and numeracy in the first three years of primary school (grades 1 – 3). We also commit to enhance the related stakeholder forums that aim to improve the quality of literacy and numeracy in primary education services, engage with the village government to improve their involvement in, and advocate to the local government to address relevant policy. Our programs contribute to support children to master the essential life skills of reading and writing, which will not only enhance their future well-being but will also give them future opportunities to progress through the education system and access to decent work.