Public Disclosure Copy
The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report
READ: Results for Education Achievement and Development Project (P133079)
READ: Results for Education Achievement and Development Project (P133079)
AFRICA | Gambia, The | Education Global Practice |
IBRD/IDA | Investment Project Financing | FY 2014 | Seq No: 5 | ARCHIVED on 22-Jun-2016 | ISR23762 |
Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education
Key Dates
Key Project Dates
Bank Approval Date:06-Mar-2014 Effectiveness Date:25-Apr-2014
Planned Mid Term Review Date:05-Dec-2015 Actual Mid-Term Review Date:05-Dec-2015
Original Closing Date:28-Feb-2018 Revised Closing Date:28-Feb-2018
Project Development Objectives
Project Development Objective (from Project Appraisal Document)
To increase access to basic education, improve quality of teaching and learning in lower basic schools, and strengthen education systems.
Has the Project Development Objective been changed since Board Approval of the Project Objective?
No
PHRPDODEL
Components
Name
Component 1: Increase access to basic education:(Cost $13.20 M)
Component 2: Improve quality of teaching and learning:(Cost $10.80 M)
Component 3: Technical and Institutional Support:(Cost $7.20 M)
Component 4: Strengthening the education system with a focus on governance and management results:(Cost $3.60 M)
Overall Ratings
Name Previous Rating Current Rating
Progress towards achievement of PDO Satisfactory Satisfactory
Overall Implementation Progress (IP) Moderately Satisfactory Moderately Satisfactory
Overall Risk Rating Substantial Substantial
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The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report
READ: Results for Education Achievement and Development Project (P133079)
Implementation Status and Key Decisions
Component 1: Increase access to basic education- Civil works:
Lower Basic Schools (LBS): The construction of 40 multi-grade schools in the remote regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 has been completed and students are
enrolled in these schools.
Early Childhood Development (ECD): The project originally planned to build 40 community-based early childhood development (ECD) structures under
the project. However, since an evaluation showed a greater positive impact in settings where ECDs were attached to LBS (referred to as an Annexed
ECD design), the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) decided to build two schools under the READ project with three classrooms each
(two multi-grade classrooms and one ECD classroom) using the Annexed ECD design, because the cost of building 40 community based ECD
structures would be similar to building 2 schools with three classrooms each, staff quarters and a toilet block. The Terms of Reference (TOR) to design
the two schools has been developped.
Component 2: Improve quality of teaching and learning
1. Classroom observation tool: The classroom observation tool, designed to support the development of good pedagogical practices, has been
developed and is being used. Sample based data have been collected and analyzed. There are still some head teachers who have not been trained in
its usage. The MoBSE is planning to train them in August 2016.
2. Enhancing teacher training: The consultants are currently reviewing The Gambia College (GC) program’s existing curricula content, assessments and
standards with the aim of redesigning the GC program to focus on relevant subject content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and relevant use of
Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The work will be completed in July 2016, and subsequently, the GC instructors and tutors of the in-
service teacher training will be trained on the revised program.
3. Early Literacy in National Language (ELINL) and Reading strategy: “Gambia Reads” program training: The Gambia has decided to have one literacy
approach in which children start to learn letters through national languages in ECD, and learn literacy through national languages and English in parallel
in grades 1-3. The MoBSE has developed a single unified approach to teaching literacy which was introduced in all schools (for ECD to grade 3)
beginning in September 2015. LBS teachers teaching Grades 1 -3 received training on the single unified approach. Recently, the issue of teachers’
unfamiliarity in national language orthographies was raised. This was discovered on the basis of an In-Service Education & Training (INSET) Unit’s
report which found that the efficiency of the training was partly limited by the varying teacher competencies on the knowledge and skills to teach
reading. It is unclear whether the current training design and material are effective in addressing this issue and in ensuring that skills in reading
comprehension are developed in the classroom. Therefore, the MoBSE is currently seeking suitable technical assistance (TA) to strengthen the
“Gambia Reads” program and revise materials.
4. Learn, Education, Activities, and Resources Network (LEARNET) – ICT UBS and SSS: This subcomponent intended to provide broadband, electricity
and curriculum-linked e-content to all public upper basic schools (UBS) and senior secondary schools (SSS). However, since initial set-up costs and
recurrent costs of broadband are extremely expensive and would not be sustainable, it was decided that the provision of broadband would be dropped
from this sub-component. This subcomponent will provide solar electricity to 24 public UBS and SSS and provide training to teachers on the remaining
subjects from the Progressive Science Initiative and Progressive Math Initiative (PSI-PMI) pilot program. Also, the New Jersey Center of Teaching
(NJCTL) is currently developing the digital content for Grades 7-12 English, Math and Science, which is progressing very well. The work will be
completed by the end of the project.
Component 3: Technical and Institutional Support
1. Development and implementation of a strong communications strategy: A consultant who will develop a communications strategy has been identified.
The contract with the consultant is expected to be signed by June 2016.
2. Institutional support and capacity building: All activities are going well: (i) Standardized and classroom based assessments have been conducted on a
regular basis, (ii) the provision of support to West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) has been continuously providing through supplying the necessary
equipment and financially supporting the exams, (iii) linking the Education Management Information System (EMIS) and Human Resources (HR) data
was completed in March 2016, (iv) a national qualifications framework for higher education has been completed, (v) Project Coordination Unit (PCU)
salaries have been paid on time, (vi) MoBSE staff have participated in a statistical training program, and (vii) data collection on student and teacher
absenteeism using the mobile phone system is ongoing.
Component 4: Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs):
This is described in the ‘Key Issues and Actions for Management Attention’ section above.
Risks
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READ: Results for Education Achievement and Development Project (P133079)
Systematic Operations Risk-rating Tool
Risk Category Rating at Approval Previous Rating Current Rating
Political and Governance -- Moderate Moderate
Macroeconomic -- High High
Sector Strategies and Policies -- Moderate Moderate
Technical Design of Project or Program -- High High
Institutional Capacity for Implementation and
Sustainability
-- High High
Fiduciary -- Moderate Moderate
Environment and Social -- Moderate Moderate
Stakeholders -- Moderate Moderate
Other -- -- --
Overall -- Substantial Substantial
Results
Project Development Objective Indicators
PHINDPDOTBL
Direct project beneficiaries (Number, Core)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 326062.00 300463.00 290000.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 09-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The value in the previous ISR was miscalculated. It should have been 286,967 in the previous ISR. The target of this indicator will be
revised upward during the restructuring because more than an estimated annual increase of 3 percent of students are enrolling to schools.
PHINDPDOTBL
Female beneficiaries (Percentage, Core Supplement)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 51.40 52.00 50.00
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READ: Results for Education Achievement and Development Project (P133079)
PHINDPDOTBL
Additional students in public ECD, LBS and UBS (Total) (Number, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 40191.00 45702.00 35000.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 09-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The target will be revised upward at the restructuring to take account of additional students in public schools targeted by the project.
Baseline (EMIS 2013): Government ECD: 18,152, Public LBS: 184,080, Public UBS: 69,372.
Current (EMIS 2016): Government ECD: 23,897, Public LBS: 221,204, Public UBS: 72,205
PHINDPDOTBL
Mean scores in (English) in grade 3 in National Assessment Test (NAT) (Percentage, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 41.50 -- -- 46.00
Date 31-Jul-2012 09-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The data will be available after the NAT is counducted in 2017. The target will change at the restructuring to take of account an increase of
grade 1 intake by 22 percent from 2012 to 2015. Many of these additional students are from disadvantaged families. International
experience shows that performance in language tests by students with this background in general is lower compared to the average
student.
PHINDPDOTBL
Teachers in grades 1-3 showing good teaching performance as observed through the new classroom observation tool
(Percentage, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 60.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 09-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The indicator will not change at the restructuring. However, the data source and methodology will be revised to: Annual sample of 15% of
randomly selected public LBS generated by MoBSE Planning Directorate during second term January-March with collection of all classroom
observation tool (COT) forms from the selected schools.
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PHINDPDOTBL
Head Teachers in lower basic schools adjusting School Development Plans in response to NAT results and approved by
Regional Directorates using an agreed upon check list (DLI year 3) (Percentage, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 80.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 09-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The training on head teachers is ongoing to achieve this target. This indicator will drop the funding implication at the restructuring but will
be kept as a PDO indicator.
Overall Comments
Intermediate Results Indicators
PHINDIRITBL
Stationery packages provided to students in lower basic schools in hardship areas (Number, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 35633.00 46731.00 36500.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 14-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The end target will be revised upward at the restructuring based on the revised school mapping on hardship areas.
Hardship data were not updated in the EMIS data system when the project was prepared, and the final updating of EMIS data on hardship
schools has just been completed. To determine if each school is in hardship area or not requires mapping of each school, as schools are
considered 'hardship' if they are more than 3 km from the main road.
PHINDIRITBL
Number of additional classrooms built or rehabilitated at the primary level resulting from project interventions. (Number, Core)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 34.00 80.00 80.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 14-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
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PHINDIRITBL
Communities with > 3 km to nearest lower basic school in Region 3,4,5,6 (Percentage, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 17.00 12.50 12.50 14.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 14-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
Number of additional qualified primary teachers resulting from project interventions. (Number, Core)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 994.00 994.00 1750.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 14-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
Student teachers enrolled in revised PTC program (Number, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 900.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 14-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The PTC program has currently being revised. The revision will be completed by July 2016.
PHINDIRITBL
Externally controlled end-of-year examination in place for students completing second year of revised PTC and HTC programs
at Gambia College (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N N N Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 14-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
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PHINDIRITBL
Average teachers attendance on time (Percentage, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 90.00 97.00 95.00 95.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 14-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
ECD monitoring tool developed by ECD Unit in MOBSE (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N Y Y Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
Public upper basic and senior schools connected to broadband (Number, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 28.00 0.00 0.00 147.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The provision of broadband to all UBS and SSS will not be supported under the Project. This will be dropped at the restructuring. The
project will provide solar panels to 24 PSI-PMI schools. The reason that the provision of broadband will be canceled was due to the
unsustainable high cost. Field-based research reported that setting up and maintaining broadband services is too costly. Estimates indicate
that the initial set-up cost to just 19 PSI-PMI schools only, which are close enough to be connected to the pop sites of fiber optics, would be
approximately US$500,000, and the recurrent cost for broadband would be approximately US$50,000 for 19 schools per every 10 months.
Provision of solar panels to the 24 PSI-PMI schools are essential because the program requires electricity to operate and the power grid is
very unstable.
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PHINDIRITBL
Basic Education Sector communication strategy developed by STED (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N N N Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
A consultant has been identified and the contract will be signed by the end of June 2016.
PHINDIRITBL
Reading curriculum guidelines developed by Directorate of Curriculum at MOBSE based on evaluation results of early reading
strategies (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N Y Y Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
HR supplementary data (personnel details, qualifications, promotion and postings history) updated in HR database at
Directorate of HR at MOBSE (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N N Y Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
DLI #4: Annual formal and informal school fees paid by parents to public lower basic schools (DLI year 1) (Amount(USD),
Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 12.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The field survey by a third party consultant firm has been completed and the data are currently under analysis. The results will be available
by September 2016.
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PHINDIRITBL
DLI #7: Annual formal and informal school fees paid by parents to public upper basic schools (DLI year 2) (Amount(USD),
Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 17.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The field survey by a third party consultant firm has been completed and the data are currently under analysis. The results will be available
by September 2016.
PHINDIRITBL
DLI#2: First tranche (40%) of annual school grants transferred from MOBSE by Sept 15 in year 0 to all public lower basic
schools (DLI year 0) (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N Y Y Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
DLI #3: First tranche (40%) of annual school grants transferred from MOBSE by Sept 15 in year 1 to all public upper basic
schools (DLI year 1) (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N Y Y Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
DLI #5 and #8: Average attendance by students in public schools in NAT for grade 3, 5 and 8 for full two days (DLI year 1 and
2) (Percentage, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 88.00 90.00 90.00 95.00
Date 31-Jul-2012 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
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PHINDIRITBL
Annual training, promotion and postings exercise based on annually updated personnel records in interfaced EMIS and HR
systems (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N N Y Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
DLI #6: Annual School Census data collection carried out including Madrassas and min. 95% response rate and results and
analytical report released by May 2014 (Yes/No, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value N Y Y Y
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
Head Teachers skilled to interpret NAT results (Percentage, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value 0.00 95.00 95.00 95.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
PHINDIRITBL
UBS and SSS English teachers benefited from training programs using the newly developed e-curriculum (Number, Custom)
Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target
Value -- 0.00 0.00 200.00
Date 15-Aug-2013 15-Dec-2015 01-Jun-2016 28-Feb-2018
Comments
The new English e-curriculum is currently under development.
Overall Comments
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Data on Financial Performance
Disbursements (by loan)
Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed Disbursed
P133079 IDA-H9160 Effective USD 11.90 11.90 0.00 9.37 2.17 79%
P133079 TF-16496 Effective USD 6.90 6.90 0.00 4.67 2.23 68%
Key Dates (by loan)
Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Approval Date Signing Date Effectiveness Date Orig. Closing Date Rev. Closing Date
P133079 IDA-H9160 Effective 06-Mar-2014 09-Apr-2014 25-Apr-2014 28-Feb-2018 28-Feb-2018
P133079 TF-16496 Effective 09-Apr-2014 09-Apr-2014 25-Apr-2014 28-Feb-2018 28-Feb-2018
Cumulative Disbursements
Restructuring History
There has been no restructuring to date.
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Related Project(s)
P159540-Results for Education Achievement and Development Project Additional Financing ,P160282-Results for Education Achievement and
Development Project (READ)
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