Abstract Book of the 7th Global Conference on Education and Teaching
Year: 2025
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Strengthening Early Childhood Education in Crisis Affected Regions
Zeenat Ara, Nasreen Shaikh
ABSTRACT:
The Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN) is a Pakistan based largest development network, working to alleviate poverty through community driven initiatives. RSPN, as a lead grantee of Education Cannot Wait (ECW) funded Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP) in three districts of Balochsitan province i.e. Loralai, Kohlu and Panjgure. The initiative aims to address the educational needs of most marginalised and crisis affected children by establishing Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers, enrolling 6,362 children (60% girls) including Afghan Refugees and children with disabilities. These centers were integrated withing functional government schools, upgrading infrastructure, recruiting teachers and providing comprehensive training in collaboration with Provincial Institute for Teachers Education (PITE). The programme identifies key challenges faced by marginalised children such as lack of structured learning environments, low enrolment and limited access to inclusive education in remote and crisis affected areas. The intervention was based on three pillars: Child, Community/Parents and Curriculum, focusing on community engagement, teachers training and a government approved ECE curriculum. The methodology incorporated digital learning tools, inclusive infrastructure and psychosocial support. Regula monitoring and evaluation mechanisms assessed effectiveness, with data revealing significant improvement in learning outcomes, emotional resilience and school retention rates. The intervention successfully transitioned ECE centers to government ownership, ensuring sustainability and alignment with Global Education Framework, including SDG-4. Findings highlighted increased enrolment, enhanced students’ performance and improved emotional well-being. Recommendations include expanding the model to other crisis-affected regions advocating for national ECE policies and strengthening community-led sustainability strategies.
Keywords: Crisis Affected, Community Engagement, Education Resilience, Inclusive Learning, Teachers Training