Early Childhood Development Research Grantees Spotlight

As part of Phase 2 of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) project, 31 researchers from 10 African countries have been awarded grants of up to $15,000. More than half of the grantees (55%) are women, strengthening women’s leadership and impact in ECD research.

These grants were delivered in partnership with the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre, with funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange.

This initiative builds on insights from Phase 1, where we worked with ECD researchers to identify their professional development needs. Access to funding emerged as the top priority, and these grants directly respond to that need. By supporting these researchers, the project is helping to build a stronger and more inclusive evidence base for early childhood development across Africa.

Through our grantee spotlight series, we are highlighting these researchers and the important contributions they are making to strengthen ECD across Africa.

Principal Investigator: Abraha Asfaw Ambaye

Institution: Addis Ababa University

Country: Ethiopia

Project Title: Practices and challenges of learning through schematic play in early childhood education: An exploratory study in post-conflict Tigray, Ethiopia

Collaborator: Yigzaw Haile

Principal Investigator: Alexander Okondugba

Institution: University of Delta

Country: Nigeria

Project Title: A Play-Based Model for Connecting Children to Ancestral Heritage Through Indigenous Play

Collaborators: Esther Onyinye Ogboru, Gloria Chikasimobi Ugwu, Mary Bivwiere Asabor

Principal Investigator: Anne Rerimoi

Institution: NASHAMI

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Mapping of early child development and education services and interlinkages with the health system and the community in Kajiado, Kenya

Collaborators: Jeremy Andrew Penner

Principal Investigator: Ashnie Mahadew

Institution: University of KwaZulu Natal

Country: South Africa

Project Title: Strengthening disability inclusive practices of ECD practitioners: considerations for training and support in Kenya and South Africa

Collaborators: Anne Wangari Ndungu, Boniface Njoroge Ngaruiya, Susan Carol Philpott, Padmani Pillay, Sethabile Rejoice Zungu

Principal Investigator: Ayuk Betrand Tambe

Institution: University of Buea

Country: Cameroon

Project Title: Influence of home environment and nutrition on academic performances of preschool children in Buea health district, Cameroon

Collaborator: Given Chipili

Principal Investigator: Bento Saloio Daniel Mazuze

Institution: Eduardo Mondlane University

Country: Mozambique

Project Title: Enhancing the capacity of early childhood educators by introducing the Montessori method in Maputo Mozambican early childhood education centres

Collaborators: Alfredo Maposse, Isália Gabriel Licença Mate, Quitéria Martins Mabasso, Silva Jacob Alage,

Isaías Benjamim Benzana

Principal Investigator: Carlos Joaquim Manuel

Institution: Universidade Eduardo Mondlane

Country: Mozambique

Project Title: School readiness: investigating language policies and practices in Mozambican preschool.

Principal Investigator: Chepsiror Philosmena Jepkemboi

Institution: Moi University

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Role of Play-Based Learning in Enhancing Psychosocial and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Development and Education Centres in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

Collaborators: Dr George Ngwacho Areba, Dr Billiah Nyamoita Gisore, Dr Florence Boinet, Dr Eliud Nyakundi

Principal Investigator: Constance Malesi Amusala

Institution: Kaimosi Friends University

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Developing a Digital Competency Framework for ECD Teachers in Kenya: A Tool for Effective Implementation of the CBC in Pre-Primary Two.

Collaborators: Dr Anselemo Peters, Mr Paul Oduor Oyile, Ms Yuvalier Anjao Mateteyie

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Tikondwe Kamchedzera

Institution: University of Malawi

Country: Malawi

Project Title: Exploring policy provisions and practices for inclusive ECE in emergencies: a case of Malawi

Collaborators: Happy Nkhonya, Maggie Kuchonde

Principal Investigator: Esinam Ami Avornyo

Institution: University of Cape Coast

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Executive function and its associations with early learning and development in Ghana: Insights from a novel global assessment

Principal Investigator: Felix Jose Mulhanga

Institution: Universidade Pedagogica de Maputo

Country: Mozambique

Project Title: Early childhood education policies in Mozambique: Access to early childhood education (0-6 years)

Collaborators: Diovargildio Chauque, Mery Jose Antonio

Principal Investigator: Florida Joseph Muro

Institution: Kilimanjaro Clinical research Institute (KCRI), KCMC

Country: Tanzania

Project Title: Enhancing autism spectrum disorder screening and identification in Tanzania: a community-led approach using culturally adapted tool

Collaborators: Alex Gabagambi Alexander, Rosalia E. Njau, Jovin R Tibenderana, John Kabwe

Principal Investigator: Ijang Bih Ngyah-Etchutambe

Institution: University of Buea

Country: Cameroon

Project Title: Leveraging literacy in early starters through digital animated folk tales in Buea Municipality, Cameroon

Collaborator: Etta Mercy Aki

Principal Investigator: Isaac Buabeng

Institution: University of Cape Coast

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Enhancing early childhood education through steam: integrating creative arts to strengthen foundational learning in Ghana

Collaborators: Dr Joyce Esi Tawiah-Mensah, Ms. Bridget Amo-Darko

Principal Investigator: Jaquiline Amani

Institution: Mkwawa University College of Education

Country: Tanzania

Project Title: Promoting Early Childhood Care and Education in Tanzania: A Social-Cultural Perspective

Collaborators: Vincent Cosmas, Joseph Milinga, Willy Kasuga, Sweetbert Mugizi

Principal Investigator: Lilian Ayiro

Institution: Moi University

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Literacy levels, challenges and opportunities for parents in promoting literacy of their children with hearing and visual impairment during their early education in Kenya

Collaborators: Dr Magaret Nampijja, Dr Brenda Wawire

Principal Investigator: Lucy Amanya Mutuli

Institution: Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Integrating Optimal Dietary Intake and Regular Play into Cognitive Development of Children with Special Needs aged below 5 Years in Western Kenya

Collaborators: Evans Raballah, Sabella Kiprono

Principal Investigator: Maxwell Ayindenaba Dalaba

Institution: University of Health and Allied Sciences

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Parental Care Practices and Childhood Development in Ghana

Collaborators: Prof Evelyn K Ansah, Dr Mathilda Aberese-Ako, Dr Emmanual Dziwornu, Dr Nana Ayaa Duah (MD), Dr Desmond Klu

Principal Investigator: Nana Ama Frimpomaa Agyapong

Institution: University of Cape Coast

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Impact of iron deficiency anaemia on cognitive functions among children under five years in urban vulnerable communities in Ghana

Collaborators: Asmau Mohammed Tukur, George Dennis Obeng

Principal Investigator: Neema Kassim

Institution: Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)

Country: Tanzania

Project Title: Assessing the Impact of Childcare Services on Education Outcomes: A case of Rural Arusha

Collaborator: Naelijwa Mshanga

Principal Investigator: Nicolette Vanessa Roman

Institution: University of the Western Cape

Country: South Africa

Project Title: Harnessing Play for Planetary Well-Being in Early Childhood Development: A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Strategies in Kenya

Collaborator: Dr Moses Mutua Mutiso

Principal Investigator: Olivia Opere

Institution: Kenyatta University

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Evidence synthesis on what works in integration of digital technology for transformative teaching and learning experiences in literacy for ECD in Kenya

Collaborators: Prof Mary Otieno, Teresa Mwoma

Principal Investigator: Olusola Joseph Adesina

Institution: Emmanuel Alayande University of Education

Country: Nigeria

Project Title: Integrating cultural play methods in Nigerian play-based pre-primary education

Collaborator: Dr Amy Panyi

Principal Investigator: Otobo Innocent Ujah

Institution: Federal University of Health Sciences

Country: Nigeria

Project Title: Implications of Household Energy Poverty for Health, Learning and Psychosocial Well-being of Children aged 24-59 months in Nigeria

Collaborators: Agnes Sellamatu Ojile, Amenze Eguavoen

Principal Investigator: Reginald Tetteh-Ahumah Ocansey

Institution: University of Education, Winneba

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Enhancing Academic Success and Well-being in Ghanaian Early Learners Through Integrated Health Interventions

Collaborators: Dr Regina Akuffo Darko, Dr Munkaila Seibu, Dr Prince Owusu Adoma, Professor Michael Subbey, Professor Anthony Okely, MS Tabitha Selasi Aidoo, MS Joyce Adzimah, MS Dinah Anderson

Principal Investigator: Richard Shukia

Institution: University of Dar es Salaam

Country: Tanzania

Project Title: Ensuring Safety and Learning: Assessment of Teaching, Classroom Management, and Child Protection in Large Pre-Primary Classes in Rural Settings in Tanzania

Collaborator: Stansilaus James Marobo

Principal Investigator: Richardson Addai-Mununkum

Institution: University of Education, Winneba

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Play-Based Pedagogies and the Teaching of Environmental Concepts: An Analysis of Frequency, Purpose, and Influencing Factors Among Kindergarten Teachers in Ghana

Collaborator: Hannah Adutwumwaa Owusu

Principal Investigator: Roseline Shimuli Khasungu Olumbe

Institution: Daystar University

Country: Kenya

Project Title: The good, the bad: a photovoice study on teachers’ experiences using play-based learning with neurodiverse children in early years.

Collaborators: Dr Sylvia Jebet Tuikong, Ms Jane Wachera Kanyari, Ms Rose Abiero Ong'ele, Ms Lucy Achieng Omondi

Principal Investigator: Saada Ali Seif

Institution: The University of Dodoma

Country: Tanzania

Project Title: Towards Malnutrition Prevention and Improving Cognitive Development: Converting food-portion Size Measurement and Evaluating an Individualized Dietary Plan for Children in Zanzibar

Collaborators: Mwanaali Haji Ali, Eshe Haji Ramadhan, Jestina Nyondo, Fatma Ally Said

Principal Investigator: Yonas Mesfun Asfaha

Institution: Asmara College of Education

Country: Eritrea

Project Title: Supporting early childhood development through research in home language education: Creating child-directed corpus in Tigrinya language to enhance school teaching and learning assessment materials in Eritrea

Collaborator: Saleh Mahmud

Early Childhood Development Research Grantees Spotlight

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