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

  1. Improved understanding of family literacy and learning that contributes to foundational learning and social interactions and relationships among parents and their children. 
  2. Contextually relevant models of family literacy and learning programmes identified. 
  3. 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