Organisers: ADEA ICQN-TL & UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning – UIL
Topic: Family literacy for improving foundational learning
Title: Understanding and appreciating family literacy and creating interest among member countries to plan and establish family literacy programmes
Date: Wednesday, 19th October 2022
Time: 15:30 PM – 17:00 PM Mauritius time (GMT+4)
Venue: Le Méridien Île Maurice
Storyline: Children in low- and middle-income economies, particularly in Africa, have not yet reached minimum proficiency levels in foundational learning. Poor learning opportunities and limited access to inclusive and equitable education, particularly at the pre-primary level, contribute to the situation. Moreover, this issue is exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the provision of education became restricted and shifted towards distance learning modalities that could reach the most marginalized and disadvantaged. ADEA ICQN-TL’s BLM section and UIL aim to promote family learning approaches to expand learning beyond schools, engage parents and guardians in the learning process, and promote a culture of learning in families and communities.
Objectives: To learn more about promising practices of family literacy and identify areas for collaboration to build resilient education systems for the sustainable development of future skills in Africa.
Expected outcomes:
- Improved understanding of family literacy and learning that contributes to foundational learning and social interactions and relationships among parents and their children.
- Contextually relevant models of family literacy and learning programmes identified.
- Areas of future partnership and collaboration for family literacy and learning programmes identified.
Chairperson: Dr Rakhat Zholdoshalieva, Team leader, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
Rapporteurs:
- Lily Nyariki, Focal Point, Books and Learning Materials
- ADEA / Chung Qiongzhuoma, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
Welcome Remarks:
- Mr Albert Nsengumyva, Executive Secretary, ADEA
- Mr David Atchoarena, Director, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (tbc)
Session 1: Family literacy and learning: Policy, Capacity, Practice, and Research
Moderator: Ms Sofia Chatzigianni, Assistant Programme Specialist, UIL
Presenters:
- What is and why use Family and Intergenerational Literacy and Learning? Presentation by Dr Rakhat Zholdoshalieva and Chung Heimbel, UNESCO UIL.
- Family Basic Education in Uganda by Mr Godfrey Sentumbwe, Programme Manager, Literacy and Adult Basic Education, Uganda (LABE).
Session 2: Panel Discussion – Promising cases of family Literacy initiatives in Africa
Moderator: Shem Bodo, Senior Programs Officer, ADEA
Presenters:
- Early Literacy Resource Network - Kirsty von Gogh, Project Manager, Neil Butcher & Associates
- Ubongo - Annette Ngongi, Researcher, Africa Great Lakes Region
- ICQN-MSE - Status of STEM education in Africa at basic learning level (findings from secondary study and preliminary findings on Play-Based STEM education)
Panellists:
- Early Literacy Resource Network - Kirsty von Gogh, Project Manager, Neil Butcher & Associates
- World Reader - Joan Mwachi, Regional Director, East Africa Region
- Ubongo - Annette Ngongi, Researcher, Africa Great Lakes Region
- Ghana Book Development Council - Ernesticia Latey, Executive Director