Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Hub

The learning crisis in Africa isn't just an education issue—it's a linchpin for our continent's economic future and global stability. Consider this: Addressing the learning crisis could add up to $6.5 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030. Conversely, the World Bank estimates that this crisis could result in lifetime earnings losses of $17 trillion for this generation of students in low and middle-income countries globally. At FLEX 2024 in Kigali, we're bringing together ministers, educators, and innovators to turn this potential into reality. We'll explore: Cost-effective, scalable solutions to enhance learning outcomes Innovative financing mechanisms to bridge the $39 billion annual funding gap for achieving SDG 4 Strategies to maximize the impact of every education dollar spent Our goal? To transform Africa's demographic dividend into a powerful engine for global growth. By investing in education today, we're securing a prosperous future for Africa and the world. Join us in Kigali to be part of this economic transformation through education! To register for FLEx: https://lnkd.in/dribhUHN Use Code 102 to register! #FLEX2024 #EducationEconomics #SDG4 #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #FoundationalLearning

📚 The Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX) in Kigali, Rwanda, November 11-13, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in our continent's educational journey. The stark reality: 9 out of 10 African children can't read for meaning by age ten - nearly double the global average of 6 out of 10. But this statistic isn't our destiny; it's our call to action. 🌍 African leaders are rising to the challenge. A growing coalition, including Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, along with former leaders from Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, and Liberia, are championing foundational learning. At FLEX, we'll leverage this momentum to: ✅ Push for a Decade of Foundational Learning 📊 Develop a continental accountability system 🧠 Share knowledge on cost-effective, evidence-based solutions. 🇿🇦 With South Africa's upcoming G20 Presidency in 2025, we're poised to lead the global response to this crisis. Join us in Kigali as we craft strategies to ensure every African child can read, write, and thrive by age 10! 🔗 To register for FLEx: https://lnkd.in/dribhUHN 🔑 Use Code 102 to register! #FLEX2024 #EndLearningPoverty #AfricanEducation #G20Africa #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #FoundationalLearning

Spotlighting FLN Interventions in Africa 🌍📚 A digital revolution in primary education is quietly unfolding. 🎓💻 The Early Digital Learning Programme (EDLP), a collaborative initiative between the Mauritius Institute of Education, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, and EDCIL India, is reshaping the educational landscape for young learners. 👧👦 At its core, the EDLP aims to seamlessly integrate digital technology into primary education, nurturing an early culture of IT use that aligns with pupils' developmental stages. 🧒🏫 This innovative approach is transforming classrooms across Mauritius, with adapted tablets serving as gateways to a world of interactive learning. 📱✨ Equipped with a broad array of digital content - from engaging videos and e-books to interactive animations and creativity tools - they cater to diverse learning styles and keep young minds captivated. 🎥📖🎨 The program's holistic approach extends beyond tablets, ensuring that all primary and secondary schools are equipped with computer labs, fostering a tech-savvy environment from an early age. 💻🏫 The scale of implementation is impressive, especially for a small island state. 🏝️ In 2018, the Ministry distributed a remarkable 26,800 tablets and headsets across primary schools, complemented by 250 wireless projectors and screens, and 1,340 rack chargers. 📊 This comprehensive rollout underscores Mauritius's commitment to digital education. 🎓 The fruits of this labor are already evident. 🍎 As of 2020, the Ministry proudly reported the successful implementation of the EDLP in Grades 1 to 3, marking a significant milestone in the country's educational journey. ✅ As we look to the future of foundational learning, the success of Mauritius's EDLP serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of technology when thoughtfully integrated into learning environments. 🌟 Have you witnessed any interventions taking place on the continent? Share with us in the comments below. 💬 #EducationInnovation #DigitalLearning #MauritiusEducation #EdTech #PrimaryEducation #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #FoundationalLearning

As UNGA79 concludes, we reflect on a pivotal moment in addressing Africa's learning crisis. Participants from across the continent came together, recognising the unique opportunity presented by South Africa's upcoming G20 Presidency in 2025. They acknowledged the critical role of His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, as the Champion for Foundational Learning in Africa, whose voice will be instrumental in advocating for this crucial cause. The scale of potential impact was laid bare: up to $6.5 trillion in additional productive value by 2030 if we address the learning crisis and realise Africa's demographic dividend. Participants highlighted Africa's dual role as both the epicentre of the learning crisis and the future growth engine of the global workforce. This recognition underscores the continent's responsibility and potential in leading the development of solutions that will boost global productivity. Download, read, and share the communique  #UNGA2024 #GlobalChallenges #UNGeneralAssembly #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #ReadWriteCount #FoundationalLearning #DataForFoundationalLearning #SDGs #EvidenceBasedEducation

📢 Join us at the UN General Assembly in New York! The African Union, Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), VVOB, UNICEF, Hempel Foundation, Teaching at the Right Level Africa, and Human Capital Africa are coming together for a critical side event on foundational learning titled "Scaling Success: Advancing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy through Partnerships and Innovation in Africa." This session will explore groundbreaking efforts to improve foundational learning across Africa, showcasing how partnerships and innovative approaches are transforming education for millions of children on the continent. 🗓️ Date: September 23, 2024 📍 Location: Hyatt Thompson Central Park, New York 🎯 Theme: Advancing literacy and numeracy to build a brighter future for Africa’s next generation. This is an opportunity for thought leaders to refine efforts to scale foundational education in Africa, reverse learning poverty, and drive educational transformation.

📢 Join us at the UN General Assembly in New York! The African Union, Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), VVOB, UNICEF, Hempel Foundation, Teaching at the Right Level Africa, and Human Capital Africa are coming together for a critical side event on foundational learning titled "Scaling Success: Advancing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy through Partnerships and Innovation in Africa." This session will explore groundbreaking efforts to improve foundational learning across Africa, showcasing how partnerships and innovative approaches are transforming education for millions of children on the continent. 🗓️ Date: September 23, 2024 📍 Location: Hyatt Thompson Central Park, New York 🎯 Theme: Advancing literacy and numeracy to build a brighter future for Africa’s next generation. This is an opportunity for thought leaders to refine efforts to scale foundational education in Africa, reverse learning poverty, and drive educational transformation.

Today, as we celebrate World Literacy Day, we want to share a powerful piece written by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. In his op-ed, he brings attention to Africa's educational crisis and emphasizes the urgent need for action. With Africa at a critical crossroads, Obasanjo highlights the importance of investing in foundational learning. His words are compelling: "Basic literacy and numeracy are the foundations on which the delivery of every development objective outlined in Agenda 2063 will be achieved." This underscores that education is not an isolated issue but one that impacts every aspect of Africa's development. Obasanjo urges African leaders to acknowledge their shared responsibility and take immediate, decisive action to equip young Africans with essential skills. As we engage the African Union Year of Education in 2024, his message serves as a rallying cry for change. Read the full op-ed and join the conversation on shaping a brighter future for Africa here. https://lnkd.in/dNGW_Tvu #AfricanEducation #FoundationalLearning #Africa2063

Today, as we celebrate International Literacy Day, let's spotlight its transformative potential for Africa and our shared tomorrow! 🌟 Literacy isn't just about reading and writing—it's the key to unlocking doors to: 💼 Economic growth and job creation 🏥 Improved health outcomes ♀️ Gender equality and women's empowerment 💻 Technological advancement and innovation 🗳️ Stronger democratic institutions and civic participation As we envision Africa's future, remember: investing in foundational literacy and numeracy is investing in our continent's boundless potential. It's about equipping our young people with the tools to drive innovation, foster sustainable development, and build the Africa we want. In his recently published op-ed, former Nigerian President H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo wisely noted, "Basic literacy and numeracy are the foundations on which the delivery of every single development objective outlined in Agenda 2063 will be achieved." 🎯 These words underscore literacy's integral role in Africa's journey forward. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dNGW_Tvu What steps can we take in our communities to boost literacy and propel Africa's development goals? Share your thoughts and initiatives below! #FLN #LearningCounts #FLNmatters #SDG4 #Foundationallearning #InternationalLiteracyDay #AfricanDevelopment #Education #Agenda2063 #LiteracyMatters #ReadWriteCount #EndLearningPoverty #YearofEducation

As we approach International Literacy Day on September 8th, the words of former Nigerian President H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo resonate with profound urgency. In his compelling op-ed, Obasanjo highlights Africa’s educational crisis and emphasizes the crucial need for investment in foundational learning. He aptly states, "Basic literacy and numeracy are the foundations on which the delivery of every single development objective outlined in Agenda 2063 will be achieved." This powerful statement underscores that education is not just an isolated issue but a fundamental pillar influencing all aspects of Africa’s development. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dNGW_Tvu This is a pivotal moment to spotlight the importance of #FoundationalLearning as we witness the African Union, and UNICEF launching the End Learning Poverty Campaign! The End Learning Poverty for All in Africa (#ELPAF) Campaign is setting out to promote, amplify and mobilise the continent to revolutionise education! 🌍📚 Register to participate here: https://lnkd.in/dCE9y8bS #YearofEducation #Agenda2063 #EndLearningPoverty #ReadWriteCount #ReadWriteCount #YearofEducation #OlusegunObasanjo

Day 2 of the #EACConferenceonEducation can be summed up in one poignant and powerful quote by H.E. Ms. Veronica M. Nduva, CBS, Secretary General, East African Community. "Education is the bridge that connects nations within our region, fostering understanding, unity, and collaboration. Through shared knowledge and learning, we build the foundations of true regional integration, where borders blur and collective progress becomes our common goal. In the classroom, we plant the seeds of unity, nurturing a shared vision that will blossom into a resilient and united community of nations." Throughout the day, discussions centered on several critical themes. Dr. John Kalage, Chairperson of Regional Education Learning Initiative- RELI Africa stressed the paramount importance of #foundationallearning, emphasizing the need to ensure all children acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills by age 10. The gravity of our region's educational challenges was starkly illustrated by UNICEF's Tanzania Country Representative Elke Wisch, who presented alarming, and sobering statistics - 9 out of 10 of our children are unable to read with understanding and do basic maths by age 10, and that over 28 million children in East Africa remain out of school. Ms. Wisch also highlighted the persistent gaps affecting girls, differently-abled youth, and those in remote areas, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions to make education more inclusive. The conversation then shifted to curriculum reform, with participants exploring ways to integrate 21st-century skills and implement competency-based approaches that prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. #EdTech solutions emerged as a key topic, with attendees examining strategies to leverage technology in bridging the digital divide in education, particularly in remote areas. The critical role of teachers was not overlooked, as discussions focused on the necessity of #upskilling educators in #ICT and modern pedagogies to enhance the quality of instruction across the region. #Datadriven decision-making was another focal point, with emphasis placed on the establishment of robust regional data management systems to inform policy and improve educational outcomes. The African Union's Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), H.E Prof. Mohammed Belhocine underscored the importance of collective action in building responsive education systems, leading to engaging discussions on the creation of a regional network for sharing best practices and resources. Looking forward to the commitments that emerge from the conference. #AUYearofEducation #EACEducationConference #EACREC2024 #DataForFoundationalLearning #EducationInAfrica #DataDrivenEducation #YouthEmpowerment