December 1, 2023
All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development (ACR GCD), a partnership between USAID, World Vision and the Australian Government, has released its final comprehensive report, providing an in-depth overview of the 12-year Grand Challenge strategies and outcomes in advancing education technology to increase reading outcomes for marginalized children in low-resource contexts.
A significant milestone in the decade-long effort to enhance global literacy, the report underscores the Grand Challenge’s use of innovative technology and community engagement to improve reading outcomes, including the program’s achievements in EdTech, producing accessible books in underserved languages, and the pivotal role of family and community in the learning process.
The Grand Challenge spurred innovation through three rounds of prizes and competitions, addressing challenges in teaching, learning, and emergency education. The report highlights the successful integration of technology in early grade reading outcomes and emphasizes the creation of scalable solutions and the fostering of local partnerships.
Key accomplishments include reaching over 3.3 million children with literacy resources in 113 languages—including sign languages and braille—and implementing strategies to enhance literacy learning, especially for children with disabilities. The report also discusses lessons learned, such as the importance of device access, enhanced parental engagement, and the necessity of collaborative learning approaches. The report also emphasizes the significance of locally led development and the need to sustain education and literacy opportunities in regions affected by conflict and crisis.
The report shares insights into the future of global education initiatives and the ongoing need for data-driven governance in these efforts, allowing it serve as a vital roadmap for current and future pioneers, innovators, implementers, educators, project leaders, and policy makers in the education sector.
ACR GCD was one of a suite of Grand Challenges initiated by USAID designed to mobilize governments, companies, and foundations to source new solutions, test new ideas, and scale what works. Launched in 2011, ACR GCD was founded to engage the world in the identification, creation, and adoption of new solutions to address specific barriers to children’s literacy, and to accelerate early grade reading attainment. In 2013, World Vision began serving as the fund manager, coordinating the partnership and management of activities. ACR GCD was the longest running Grand Challenge in education.
Be part of the solution
Join USAID, World Vision, and the Australian Government in celebrating the impact and learnings from a 12-year partnership that catalyzed a legacy of EdTech innovation and research. Read or download the report from this website or on USAID’s Development Experience Clearninghouse platform—and then share it with others in the education sector. Explore and access ACR GCD-funded solutions and research and tools covered in the report, which are now on USAID EducationLinks platform. Together, we can transform and enrich literacy learning spaces to be accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all.
