Evaluation of the Promoting Autonomy for Literacy and Attentiveness Through Market Alliances (PALAM/A) Project Baseline Report

In response to the nutrition and sanitation challenges in Sri Lankan primary schools, Save the Children (SC) is launching the Promoting Autonomy for Literacy and Attentiveness Through Market Alliances (PALAM/A) project. PALAM/A will work to ensure that Sri Lanka’s school meal program is well targeted and responsive to children’s needs by strengthening government capacity and partnerships to ensure contribution and accountability of local communities and program stakeholders. The two primary objectives of the PALAM/A project are (a) to improve the literacy of school-age children and (b) to improve their nutritional status and diet diversity and decrease health-related absences.

The PALAM/A project aims to improve literacy outcomes by improving student attentiveness and teacher capacity, as well as by providing opportunities for engaging in reading with caregivers and after school. Student attendance and attentiveness in school will increase based on improved food safety and nutrition practices, connections to supply partners, and facilities that schools use to provide children with nutritious meals. The increased presence and attention in the classroom will also improve students’ opportunities to learn. By producing new literacy materials and providing teachers with training and recognition, the PALAM/A project aims to improve the capacity of schools and teachers to teach early grade reading. Finally, the project will also build capacity among parents and caregivers on strategies to improve literacy and provide an opportunity for children to engage in after school reading activities in Children’s Literacy Clubs.