Play, Thrive and Learn: Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Foundational Learning Initiative in Kyaka Refugee Settlement

Play, Thrive and Learn: Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Foundational Learning Initiative in Kyaka Refugee Settlement

The Play, Thrive and Learn Initiative is an inclusive Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) and Foundational Learning program designed to improve learning, wellbeing, and developmental outcomes for young children living in refugee and host communities in Kyaka Refugee Settlement, and three other reception centres, in Uganda. The initiative focuses particularly on children aged 3–8 years, including children with disabilities (screened through our very own Disability Detect App) and those facing multiple vulnerabilities such as poverty, displacement, trauma, neglect, and limited access to quality early learning opportunities.

The initiative was developed in response to the significant challenges affecting young children's readiness to learn, foundational literacy and numeracy acquisition, social-emotional development, and inclusion in education systems. Through a holistic and child-centred approach, the program integrates nurturing care, play-based learning, inclusive education, child protection, caregiver empowerment, and community participation.

Key interventions include the establishment and strengthening of inclusive early learning spaces, capacity building for teachers and caregivers on child-centred and disability-inclusive pedagogies, provision of age-appropriate teaching and learning materials, and implementation of structured play and foundational learning activities that promote literacy, numeracy, communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The initiative also supports the identification and referral of children with developmental delays and disabilities to appropriate services while promoting positive attitudes toward inclusion within families and communities.

Recognizing the critical role of families in children's development, the program actively engages parents and caregivers through parenting sessions, home-learning activities, and awareness campaigns that strengthen nurturing care practices and support children's learning beyond the classroom. Community structures are also strengthened to promote child protection, early identification of learning barriers, and sustained participation in children's educational journeys.

The initiative contributes to improved school readiness, increased participation and retention in learning environments, enhanced foundational literacy and numeracy skills, stronger social-emotional competencies, and greater inclusion of children with disabilities in education. By combining evidence-based ECED practices with locally driven solutions, the program seeks to ensure that every child—regardless of background, ability, or displacement status—has the opportunity to play, thrive, learn, and reach their full potential.

The initiative aligns with global frameworks including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4), the Nurturing Care Framework, the INEE Minimum Standards, and inclusive education principles that promote equitable access to quality learning opportunities for all children. Through collaboration with caregivers, educators, community leaders, and development partners, the initiative is helping create a stronger foundation for lifelong learning and positive developmental outcomes among vulnerable children in humanitarian and low-resource settings.