insert_link Lifestyle Early childhood education was largely missing from the budget, undermining other education spending By Marek Tesar, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Despite a NZ$1 billion increase in spending on education in the 2024 budget, there was a noticeable absence of any substantial investment in early childhood education (ECE). This contrasts starkly with the money put aside for primary and secondary education, particularly in areas such as literacy. The budget allocates $191 million over four years for […] todayJune 5, 2024 5
insert_link Africa Malawi’s school kids are using tablets to improve their reading and maths skills By Nicola Pitchford, University of Nottingham Malawi introduced free primary education in 1994. This has significantly improved access to schooling. However, the country – which is one of the poorest in the world – still faces a high learning poverty rate of 87%. Learning poverty is a measure of a child’s inability to meet minimum proficiency in reading, numeracy and other skills at the primary school level. […] todayMay 13, 2024 4
insert_link Lifestyle Nine out of 10 kids are not developmentally on track in literacy and numeracy – study of 8 African countries Play and storytelling are a crucial part of children’s cognitive development. PixelCatchers Pearl S. Kyei, University of Ghana Children develop an enormous amount during their early years – socially, physically, emotionally and cognitively. What happens between the ages of 0 and 8 years can predict important long-term outcomes: for example, how a child will fare at school; what their health will be like and their future earning potential. Children in […] todayApril 10, 2024 12
insert_link Lifestyle Learning to read in another language is tough: how Namibian teachers can help kids Wolfgang Kaehler/Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Marta Ndakalako Alumbungu, Stellenbosch University and Nhlanhla Mpofu, Stellenbosch University In a classroom in Namibia’s northern Oshikoto region, a teacher has written English vocabulary words on the chalkboard. She asks her learners to read them aloud. When they stumble with pronunciation, she corrects them. She also helps the youngsters to sound out words. At another school nearby, an English teacher is showing her […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 16
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
