Use of Evidence and Data driven advocacy to improve the quality of ECCE programs in Africa

• In Event: Strengthening Education Sector Capacities for Resilient Education Management Information Systems in Africa: Experiences from Five KIX Africa 19 Hub Countries

Proposal

In Africa, as elsewhere globally, Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) is increasingly becoming visible to policy makers. Even as we transition to a digital age, there is increasing need to invest significantly in the early learning systems including building the requisite human resources and infrastructure to leverage the promise of technology and digital tools to even out disparities and inequalities in early learning. Whereas there have been appreciable gains in enrolment in ECCE, challenges remain.

To address the challenges that sustain the status quo and perpetuate inequality and exclusion, the authors’ organization engages in multiple initiatives at global, continental and national levels through collaboration with partners to protect children’s rights, influence policy, generate and disseminate evidence, and create platforms for learning, networking and knowledge sharing. Being an advocacy platform, it provides technical support to the African Union Commission Department of Education Science Technology and Innovation (ESTI), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and national governments to promote formulation and implementation of policies, guidelines and establishment of strong national multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms. Additionally, it catalyses the establishment and capacity building of national ECED advocacy platforms and communities of practice of ECED researchers to synergize and harmonize action in collaboration with government ministries including those of education, health and social protection. It collaborates with governments, and regional and international organizations like UNICEF and WHO to co-convene regional and continental knowledge exchange, learning and networking events for programme implementers to meet and exchange ideas with policy makers. Some of the outcomes of collaborative high-level continental advocacy include the launch of the ECED Cluster of the African Union within the ESTI Department in 2018. The ECED Cluster is a platform that brings together Member States, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and UN agencies to work collectively towards expanding access to high quality and inclusive early learning opportunities on the continent in line with Goal 4.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The formation of the AU Multi-Sectoral Taskforce on Holistic Child Development is another milestone of these advocacy initiatives. In partnership with national governments, UNICEF, WHO and National ECED networks, the organization has co-convened 1 continental ECED Conference in 2018 and 2 sub-regional ECED Conferences in 2023 and 2024 that brought together over 2500 delegates. More recently, a collaborative effort with other actors led to the formation of the East African ECD Technical Working Group to champion ECD in the region. A research collaboration to strengthen the capacity of teachers, parents and school managers to implement learning through play in the early years, in which the organization was involved influenced the review of curriculum in the Gambia and Nigeria to integrate learning through play approaches and equip teachers to deliver learning using play-based pedagogies. Strengthening early learning systems will remain a critical pillar for the uptake and utilization of digital technologies for equitable access to quality early learning opportunities and a key commitment of the organization.

Author

• George Evans Odero Owino, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)