A vast majority of children in Uganda do not have access to quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), contributing to poor learning outcomes. At 95%, primary school enrolment in Uganda is amongst the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, learning outcomes remain poor. This speaks to a fundamental lack of foundational skills amongst children when they enter school. There are also significant urban/rural disparities in access, and disadvantaged children are most likely to miss out. Despite favourable policy settings, there is a disconnect between policy and practice in the ECCE system, which can be attributed to a lack of both capacity and resources.
Playful Futures, funded by the LEGO Foundation, aims to support and promote playful experiences for children that are joyful, meaningful, socially interactive, actively engaging, and iterative. The programme has a duration of four years, spanning from February 2021 to February 2025.
Impact:
Playful Futures will increase access of 60,000 children aged 3-6 to quality ECCE in Uganda so they can succeed in school and life. It will harness the transformative power of learning through play (LtP) to drive change.
Outcomes:
- Further development of effective, scalable approaches, and evidence in support of LtP.
- LtP implemented and championed by ECCE workforce, parents/caregivers and leaders through improved knowledge, attitude, and practices in support of LtP, including transformed motivations and beliefs about play.
- LtP as a central aspect of expanding and strengthening quality and inclusive ECCE in policy and practice settings.
Learn more about Playful Futures here
