Scaling Up Affordable, Quality, and Contextually Relevant Pre-school Provision in Kenya and Evidence-based Policy Planning & Development Supporting Children’s Holistic development in Marginalised Comm

Scaling Up Affordable, High-Quality, and Contextually Relevant Pre School Provision in Kenya This initiative focused on strengthening access to affordable, high-quality, and contextually relevant pre school education in Kenya, with the ultimate goal of improving learning outcomes for approximately 10,000 children aged 4–6 years. Recognising that teachers and education systems play a critical role in shaping early learning experiences, the programme placed strong emphasis on capacity building for those responsible for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) delivery. A core component of the initiative involved training ECDE county officials and sub county ECD officers on gender responsive pedagogy. These trainings aimed to enhance their understanding of inclusive teaching practices that promote equity and respond to the diverse needs of young learners. In addition, officials were equipped with practical skills on support supervision and on site mentorship, enabling them to provide continuous, hands on guidance to pre school teachers in their respective jurisdictions. The initiative also examined school leadership holistically, looking beyond formal structures to how leadership functions in practice. Attention was given to leadership composition, decision making processes, and school management systems. Targeted capacity building sessions were conducted to strengthen school leadership teams, thereby improving governance, accountability, and the overall learning environment within pre schools.

Evidence Based Policy Planning and Development to Support Children’s Holistic Development in Marginalised ASAL Communities This initiative aimed to support the holistic development of children living in marginalised communities within Kenya’s Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL). It was implemented through three interconnected work packages designed to strengthen evidence based policy and practice. The first work package focused on conducting rigorous research to generate evidence that would inform ECD policy formulation and implementation. This included the development of a range of knowledge products such as policy analyses, policy briefs, research manuscripts, and factsheets to support advocacy and decision making at both national and county levels. The second work package centred on training and capacity building for ECD frontline workers. These sessions were designed to empower practitioners with practical skills, knowledge, and tools to better support children, caregivers, and communities facing complex vulnerabilities. The third work package emphasised the establishment and strengthening of communities of practice. These platforms fostered collaboration and peer learning, allowing practitioners to share best practices, exchange experiences, and collectively address challenges encountered in their work. Thriving Through Play Initiative The Thriving Through Play initiative targeted children aged 0–3 years and their caregivers, using play based approaches to promote early learning, wellbeing, and resilience. The programme integrated mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for caregivers, recognising their critical role in nurturing young children’s development. Particular focus was placed on urban refugee and refugee hosting communities, as well as surrounding host populations. In addition, the initiative delivered capacity building sessions on Nurturing Care for ECD, with an emphasis on play based MHPSS approaches. These sessions strengthened caregivers’ and practitioners’ ability to create safe, responsive, and stimulating environments that support children’s early development during the most formative years of life.