Building Strong Foundations: Practical Solutions for Early Foundational Learning

Event Description

Foundational learning develops across a continuum that spans the early years and the early grades. When children enter school healthy, socially and emotionally ready to learn, and with strong early language, cognitive and motor skills, they are better equipped to cope with school, acquire foundational literacy and numeracy and continue progressing throughout their education. Strengthening this continuum improves learning outcomes, reduces inequalities, and contributes to stronger human capital and long-term economic development.

While the evidence for investing in the early years is well established, translating this into integrated policy, financing and delivery remains a challenge. Too often, early childhood and foundational learning are planned and financed separately, despite relying on the same objective: ensuring every child develops the skills needed to learn, thrive and succeed in life.

Against the backdrop of growing global recognition that investing in the early years serves as a catalyst for foundational literacy and numeracy and for thriving in school, this interactive session will convene governments, development partners, philanthropies and practitioners to explore why embedding early childhood care and education within broader education sector planning, financing and delivery can improve school readiness, yielding benefits for children, families, and economies.

Through short, solution-oriented contributions and an interactive dialogue, speakers will share evidence, practical tools and country experiences, including examples from Ghana, Zimbabwe and South Africa, that demonstrate how integrated approaches can improve learning outcomes and system performance. Building on recommendations emerging from the G20 process, the Global Technical Financing Forum in Kigali, and the Salzburg Global ECD meeting, the discussion will examine how financing, costing and delivery can be designed together to support sustainable reform.

Designed to build bridges and break down siloes, education stakeholders will leave with practical examples, financing approaches and partnership models that strengthen foundational learning, improve school readiness, and build human capital.