Shillong, April 9: The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Meghalaya, and Absolute Return for Kids-India (ARK) will launch the Allow Synthetic Phonics to Improve Results in English (ASPIRE) on Wednesday at Shillong Public School, Laitumkhrah, here.

The programme is part of SSA’s Learning Enhancement Initiative in 50 SSA-supported schools on a pilot basis for Class I teachers during the academic year 2012-13 in East Khasi Hills district.

The initiative, in partnership with ARK — an international children’s charity working in the realm of improved quality and access to school education — aims to strengthen English reading, writing and speaking of children belonging to the 50 schools by providing them with a realistic chance to perform better. It will be launched in Mawphlang, Mawryngkneng, Mylliem, Shillong municipal and cantonment blocks in East Khasi Hills district.