Strenghthening Early Childhood Education in Afghanistan

The overall objective of the program was to improve learning opportunities and developmental outcomes for young children, particularly girls, in Baghlan, Bamyan, and Badakhshan, and to increase their chances of completing Grade 12. It also aimed to strengthen the early grades of education in Afghanistan by providing access to quality pre-school education for pre-primary aged children, 50% of whom were girls, to enhance school readiness. In addition, the program worked to improve the capacity of government schools to deliver effective foundational literacy and numeracy education in Grades 1 and 2, while increasing school retention rates, especially among girls.

The program supported and promoted sustainable, quality learning opportunities and developmental outcomes for marginalized rural children aged 4 to 8 by supporting and/or establishing 100 community-based pre-schools, enhancing early grade literacy and numeracy education, and creating child-friendly environments for Grade 1 and 2 students in 70 government schools. It also contributed to the development of supportive, literate communities through adult literacy classes, parenting sessions, and educational radio programs.

The program supported and promoted sustainable quality learning opportunities and developmental outcomes for rural marginalized children aged 4-8 by:
• Supporting and/or establishing 100 community-based pre-schools
• Improving early grades literacy and numeracy education and creating “child-friendly” environments for Grade 1 and 2 students in 70 government schools
• Developing supportive, literate communities through adult literacy classes, parenting classes and radio programs