USAID is funding a huge new primary math and reading initiative to increase proficiency at very basic levels. An article in Kenya’s, The Standard, links the initiative to Uwezo Kenya’s findings of poor numeracy and literacy skill attainment by standard two (see prior posts on related research on Uwezo’s work). It’s not clear from the article to what extent the Uwezo initiative — either in conception or in results — influenced the making of this grant. But the focus is closely tied to what Uwezo has been championing: a results- rather than input-orientation, and the fostering of a reading culture within communities. According to the article, a similar program raised the prevalence of reading proficiency in the Gambia from 4% to 28%.