ELF “Learn to Read” Programme Shows Significant Gains in Lungsen Aspirational Block Schools

Lunglei, March 2026: The “Learn to Read” English Literacy Programme, implemented under a collaborative initiative of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Lunglei, Disha Foundation and ELF English, has recorded significant improvement in English literacy among primary school students in Lungsen Aspirational Block of Lunglei District, Mizoram, according to its Annual Report released for March 2026.

Launched in August 2025, the programme covered 10 selected government primary schools and benefitted 268 students. It focused on strengthening foundational English reading skills through a structured phonics-based methodology. The initiative began with an initial assessment to evaluate students’ existing proficiency levels, based on which specific learning goals were set for each class.

Teachers underwent online training and were provided with video-based instructional materials via pen drives. Students were given workbooks, while teachers received teaching aids to support effective classroom delivery.

The report highlights that the programme’s structured, level-based approach enabled steady student progression, supported by continuous monitoring and tracking of learning outcomes. Classroom activities, reinforced by video lessons, contributed significantly to improved comprehension and learner confidence.

A final assessment conducted in February 2026 evaluated students through both written (offline) and oral (online) formats. The ELF English team, which conducted the oral assessments online, reported marked improvement in students’ speaking skills, including better pronunciation and increased confidence.

Comparative analysis between the initial and final assessments revealed substantial learning gains. At the word level, overall student performance improved from 25 percent in the initial assessment to 59 percent in the final assessment—an increase of over 25 percentage points. At the sentence level, Classes 3 and 4 recorded particularly strong progress: Class 3 improved from 18 percent to 66 percent, while Class 4 rose from 13 percent to 74 percent, reflecting more than 50 percentage point gains. Students demonstrated enhanced ability to read, comprehend and interpret sentences.

To encourage participation and recognise achievement, all students were awarded gifts and certificates.

The report concludes that the programme has significantly strengthened foundational English skills among young learners in Lungsen Block, demonstrating the effectiveness of a structured phonics-based approach supported by teacher training and continuous assessment.

Building on this success, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Lunglei, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann, is planning to expand the English Literacy Programme to additional schools in the upcoming academic year 2026–27.