Central Data Catalog

Uwezo means "capability" in Kiswahili. Uwezo is a household-based initiative that aims to improve competencies in literacy and numeracy among children aged 6/76 years old in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Uwezo Annual Learning Assessment surveys began in Kenya in 2009, followed by mainland Tanzania and Uganda in 2010 (Uwezo 1). The surveys were conducted again in all three countries in 2011 (Uwezo 2) and the third and fourth survey rounds were completed in 2012, and 2013 respectively. As of October 2015, the fifth survey round (Uwezo 5) is ongoing in Kenya and Tanzania, and, complete in Uganda. Over this period, the tests and surveys have been carried out among a nationally representative random sample of children aged 6 to 16 in Kenya and Uganda and 7 to 16 in Tanzania.

The idea of Uwezo started with the very basic question "Are our children learning?". This followed the deterioration of quality that followed the universalization of primary education in the three countries. Since 2009, Uwezo has sought to contribute to the focus on learning outcomes rather than inputs, as the measure of progress in education.

Uwezo uses an innovative approach to social change that is citizen driven and accountable to the public. The country teams rely on hundreds of local partners and thousands of volunteers who play a crucial role in the success of the initiative. Volunteers are the true foot soldiers of Uwezo, ensuring that the over 150 000 sampled households are all visited and children assessed. Volunteers are normally paired meaning there are 60 volunteers per district.

The instrument is administered orally only. Six different samples of tests have been developed. The numeracy and literacy tests are based on grade 2 level curriculum for each country.

Uwezo's main purposes are:

- To get reliable, comprehensive estimates of the actual competencies of children in the three countries

- To measure change in the competencies of children generalized at district, national and regional levels

- To create awareness among citizens on learning outcomes at national and sub-national levels

- To promote evidence-based policy

Random sample

Data is disaggregated by sex, age groups, geographic location (urban and rural; districts), and socio-economic status of the household.

Results are disseminated through three national reports and one regional report. Uwezo builds relationship with the media for findings dissemination. Uwezo is also present in education sector policy meetings and actively participates in the conversation on education and learning in each country.