Literacy Specialist - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Sierra Leone - 12 months
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Aug 13, 2025
About The Job
Projected Departure
July 12, 2026
Duration
12 months
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
The Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission (TSC) in Freetown has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Literacy Specialists. Foundational learning in Sierra Leone is critically low, particularly in early grades. About 80% of Sierra Leonean children lack early reading and numeracy skills essential for subsequent learning (MICS 2017). Under the FREE Education Project Sierra Leone, the government and the World Bank have agreed to accelerate foundational learning through a multi-year adapted curricula implementation. The lack of local subject matter experts has hindered progress in the implementation of this important project.
The PCRVs will collaborate with the TSC’s Director of Teacher Development and Performance and other key stakeholders to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of literacy initiatives across schools throughout the country. They will provide technical expertise, teacher training strategies, curriculum support, and materials development to build the capacity of teachers, promote evidence-based literacy instruction, and improve literacy outcomes for children in Sierra Leone. The Teaching Service Commission seeks literacy specialists to accelerate the implementation of this important project in achieving the goal of "Literacy for All".
Required Skills
Projected Departure
July 12, 2026
Duration
12 months
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
The Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission (TSC) in Freetown has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Literacy Specialists. Foundational learning in Sierra Leone is critically low, particularly in early grades. About 80% of Sierra Leonean children lack early reading and numeracy skills essential for subsequent learning (MICS 2017). Under the FREE Education Project Sierra Leone, the government and the World Bank have agreed to accelerate foundational learning through a multi-year adapted curricula implementation. The lack of local subject matter experts has hindered progress in the implementation of this important project.
The PCRVs will collaborate with the TSC’s Director of Teacher Development and Performance and other key stakeholders to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of literacy initiatives across schools throughout the country. They will provide technical expertise, teacher training strategies, curriculum support, and materials development to build the capacity of teachers, promote evidence-based literacy instruction, and improve literacy outcomes for children in Sierra Leone. The Teaching Service Commission seeks literacy specialists to accelerate the implementation of this important project in achieving the goal of "Literacy for All".
Required Skills
- BA in Literacy Education or other relevant field
- 3 or more years of experience in literacy education