Public Lecture I: 28 November 2024
Under the theme ‘Accelerated Education Programmes for Out-of-School Young People in Africa’, on 28th November 2024, Ms. Miriam Tusiimire from War Child Canada and Ms. Fatu Yumkella from Dalan Development Consultants (Sierra Leone) presented various models of accelerated literacy programmes.
Ms. Tusiimire discussed the implementation of flexible, age-appropriate accelerated literacy programmes, supported by War Child Canada and designed to provide education to disadvantaged, over-age, out-of-school children and youth in Uganda and South Sudan. These programmes aim to equip learners with certified competencies equivalent to basic education through teaching approaches that match their cognitive maturity. Additionally, they offer transitional education, creating alternative pathways for young people affected by crises to access further education supported by appropriate policies.
Ms. Yumkella presented ‘the Effectiveness of Accelerated Education Programmes (AEPs) from a Gender and Social Inclusion Perspective’ with case studies from Ghana and Sierra Leone. She highlighted the positive outcomes of these programmes, including improved reading and writing skills, increased resilience, confidence, and empowerment among learners, strengthened economies, and reduced teenage pregnancy and child marriage. She also discussed challenges, such as political and financial commitment from governments, community ownership and leadership, and the need for flexible, learner-centred delivery of AEPs.
About the presenters:
Ms. Miriam Tusiimire, Head of Programmes at War Child Canada in Uganda, leads education, livelihood, and justice programs to help children and communities overcome war's effects. With 15 years of experience in gender justice, sexual health, and emergency response, she has worked with Oxfam, Save the Children, and Plan International. Miriam holds a master’s in public policy from the University of Birmingham, UK.
Ms Fatu Yumkella is the CEO of Dalan Development Consultants (DDC) Limited, Sierra Leone. She is researching the effectiveness of Accelerated Education Programmes (AEPs) in improving access to quality education for girls.