Promoting positive early learning outcomes through strengthened capacity in learning through play - Evidence from Nigeria, the Gambia and Kenya
panel
Credit
GPE/Mediabase

Project Abstract

This project explored how governments in Nigeria, The Gambia, and Kenya can adopt and scale Learning Through Play (LtP) approaches to improve early childhood education (ECE). Led by the Africa Early Childhood Network (AfECN) in partnership with UNICEF and APHRC, the initiative focused on strengthening teacher capacity, integrating inclusive play-based pedagogies into national curricula, and mobilizing knowledge for policy uptake. Evidence from the project demonstrated that play-based learning enhances school readiness, teacher effectiveness, and parental engagement—especially for marginalized children. 

Project Details

Completed

Implementing Countries:

Main Theme:

Duration:

22 months

End Date:

Dec 2023

Project Impacts: Policy and Practice

The project led to policy and practice changes across all three countries, with strong evidence uptake by national education authorities.

Nigeria

  • Developed and tested a Reggio-Inspired Teacher Training Manual and Activity Bank for indigenous play.
  • Created a gender and disability inclusion framework for ECE teacher training.
  • The Federal Ministry of Education expanded the project from 6 to 8 states, supported by World Bank funding.
  • The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is considering national scale-up of the training model.

The Gambia

  • Revised and adopted an Enhanced GOALS Curriculum integrating play-based content.
  • Developed a parental engagement framework and quality monitoring tools.
  • The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education committed to scaling the model and revising pre-service teacher education curricula.

Kenya

  • Integrated LtP into the Tayari ECE model, strengthening links between home and school.
  • The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is reviewing evidence for inclusion in national teacher training programs.
  • County governments in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado endorsed the model and expanded training beyond pilot schools.

Across all three countries, success was driven by multi-stakeholder engagement, adaptive management, and regional knowledge exchange platforms such as AU ECED Cluster and GPE KIX Africa Hubs. 

“This project helped us see how play can transform early learning. We now have tools, training, and policy support to make it part of every child’s education.”
— Ministry of Education Official, The Gambia

Updates and Activities

Research Outputs