On International Literacy Day 2025 we are facing a learning crisis. Seven in 10 children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read and understand a simple paragraph by the age of 10, according to the World Bank.
If children miss foundational reading skills, they can’t learn more complex ideas and they are quickly left behind. Discouraged, many drop out before the end of primary school, losing future earning potential and becoming vulnerable to child marriage and exploitation.
At Link we are changing this so that every child can have the future they deserve.
In Ethiopia we have supported over 120,000 children to stay in school and learn. 85% of girls’ reading improved by 2024.
The power of strategic tutorial support Tesfanesh’s Story: from dropout to university in EthiopiaIn Malawi we helped 4,800 out-of-school adolescent mothers, children with disabilities, and children in extreme poverty to gain basic literacy and decide their future in education, training or employment.
Madalitso’s Story: disability is no barrier in MalawiIn Uganda we brought almost 800 adolescent mothers and fathers back to school to finish their studies, and importantly changed the attitudes of school leaders, parents and student peers so these young parents now feel welcome and can excel.
Annet’s Story: adolescent mother’s success in UgandaWith 30 years of experience, we know what makes a difference:
- Teachers who understand their students’ needs and teach at the right level
- Headteachers who are pedagogical leaders and set high expectations
- Parents and communities who believe in education and protect the rights of all children to learn
- Schools that are resilient to climate change and other emergencies
- Students who are safe, supported and encouraged to succeed
“Thanks to the teachers who believed in me that any learner can do it despite any form of disability. I want to be a teacher when I finish school.” -Female student, Malawi