From Evidence to Impact: Researchers Strengthening Foundational Learning Across Africa

Sixteen African researchers are advancing solutions to improve how children learn across the continent, supported by targeted grants of up to $15,000.

Spanning Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Zambia, these researchers are generating evidence that can directly shape education policy and classroom practice.

This support is part of an ongoing effort by ESSA and the REAL Centre to strengthen African-led research on foundational learning, ensuring that locally grounded evidence informs the decisions that matter most for children’s learning.

Building on earlier progress, this phase deepens collaboration, amplifies researchers' voices, and strengthens the link between research, policy, and practice across sub-Saharan Africa.

Foundational Learning Research Grantees Spotlight

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

Principal Investigator: Professor Annie Penda

Institution: Kwame Nkrumah University

Country: Zambia

Project Title: Catch-Up Programs for Foundation Learning Acquisition: Its Effects and Role in Bridging Learning Gaps for Improved Learner Outcomes in Luapula province of Zambia

Collaborators: Mwale Joseph, Mwebela Fridah, Gondwe Colious (PhD), Samakao Misheck (PhD), Namakau Noyoo, Songiso Mutafela

Principal Investigator: Dr Angel Mukuka

Institution: Mukuba University/Dublin City University

Country: Zambia

Project Title: Strengthening Early Grade Numeracy Proficiency in Zambia Through Mental Starters Calculation Strategies

Collaborators: Joseph Mwape, Shelly Mizinga Sikwale, Anthony Bwalya Tambatamba (PhD), Doye Chikola, Hamsa Venkat (PhD)

Principal Investigator: Professor Catherine Gakii Murungi

Institution: Kenyatta University

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Analysing the influence of mother tongue instruction on foundational literacy and numeracy among grade one to three learners in Nakuru and Kitui counties, Kenya.

Collaborators: Waiswa Waanaseti (PhD), Peter N. Muchanje (PhD), Catheine J. Barmao Kiptanui (PhD), Josephine K. Kirimi (PhD), Sharon Korir, Prof. Jane Kerubo (PhD), Loice Cherwon

Principal Investigator: Dr Davis Mawuena Aweso

Institution: University of Education, Winneba

Country: Ghana

Project Title: From home to school: Assessing the alignment between community language practices and standards-based curriculum implementation for early grade learners in multilingual contexts in Ghana.

Collaborators: Agnes Afua Tetteh, Seth Agbayisah

Principal Investigator: Dr DIOP Babacar Mbaye

Institution: Universite Cheikh Ant Diop de Dakar

Country: Senegal

Project Title: éinventer l’école par le jeu : une pédagogie culturelle et communautaire des apprentissages fondamentaux au Sénégal

Collaborators: Aby GUEYE, Mohamadou Bamba TOURE, Saourou MARONE, Thérèse Téning FAYE

Principal Investigator: Dr Eric Atta Quainoo

Institution: Wesley College of Education, Kumasi

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Bridging the Gap: Evaluating Curriculum Design and Implementation for Strengthening Foundational Learning Outcomes in Ghana’s Basic Education System

Collaborators: Abraham Gyamfi (PhD), Abraham Yeboah (PhD), Francis Amankwah (PhD), Joana Bortey, Kennedy Nyeseh Ofori (PhD), Grace Aba Mensah, Isaac Pinamang

Principal Investigator: Dr Fatou Cisse

Institution: Consortium pour la Recherche Economique et Sociale (CRES)

Country: Senegal

Project Title: Enseignement bilingue et renforcement des capacités enseignantes : Une évaluation du MOHEBS pour l'amélioration des apprentissages fondamentaux au Sénégal

Collaborators: Mashoudou MAMAN CHABI SIKA, Elhadji Babacar MBENGUE (PhD)

Principal Investigator: Dr Freda Osei Sefa

Institution: University of Ghana

Country: Ghana

Project Title: From labels to learning: How teachers navigate Dyslexia and Inclusive Education in Ghanaian Schools

Collaborators: Martin Wiredu Agyekum (PhD), Innocent Sefadzi Komla Agbelie (PhD)

Principal Investigator: Dr Jive Lubbungu

Institution: Kwame Nkrumah University

Country: Zambia

Project Title: Bridging the Gap: An Ethnographic Study of the Social, Cultural, and Pedagogical Challenges in Transitioning from Zambian Mother Tongues to English in Grade 4

Collaborators: Pethias Siame (PhD), Kennedy Njenje Kangwa (PhD), Khama Hangombe (PhD)

Principal Investigator: Dr Joyce Muthoni Njiiri

Institution: Machakos University

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Technology-Enabled Learning for Competency Development: Assessing Foundational Skills Acquisition in Kenya’s CBC Framework

Collaborators: Omweri Siambe Fred (PhD), John Karanja Ranji (PhD)

Principal Investigator: Dr Mamadou DRAMÉ

Institution: Université Cheikh Anta DIOP de Dakar

Country: Senegal

Project Title: Étude sur la transformation numérique des daara et l’apprentissage de la lecture : enjeux et rôle des parents et des communautés au Sénégal

Collaborators: Mbarou Gassama-Mbaye (PhD), Seydou Khouma (PhD), Cheikh Beye (PhD), Chérif Ousmane Aidara

Principal Investigator: Dr Papa Alioune SOW

Institution: Université Iba Der THIAM

Country: Senegal

Project Title: Les effets de la métalangue d’enseignement sur les enseignements-apprentissages en numératie au Cours dL’initiation: le cas des locuteurs non natifs.

Collaborators: Abdou Fall, Ablaye Niang, Assane Diagne (PhD), Sounkharou DIARRA (PhD), Awa Sayaly Gueye

Principal Investigator: Dr Peter Changilwa Kigwilu

Institution: United States International University - Africa

Country: Kenya

Project Title: An investigation of language practices, teacher pedagogical adoption, and their combined impact on early grade literacy in Kenya

Collaborators: Emmy Mugailwa, Betty Mbatia (PhD), Tobias Owiti (PhD), Clifford Olemo

Principal Investigator: Dr Roger Abogzuah Ayinselya

Institution: University of Cape Coast

Country: Ghana

Project Title: Home-school language alignment, multilingualism, and reading skills among primary 3 children in Ghana

Collaborators: Esinam Ami Avornyo (PhD), Vincent Bio Bediako, Rita Ofori

Principal Investigator: Dr Sitwe Benson Mkandawire

Institution: The University of Zambia

Country: Zambia

Project Title: Alternative pathways for fostering foundation learning solutions to Zambia’s persistent literacy and numeracy struggles: Enhancing the implementation of community and early-learning-based approaches

Collaborators: Francis Sampa (PhD), Agnes Chileshe Chibamba (PhD), Ireen Bwembya (PhD)

Principal Investigator: Dr Winnie Tubey

Institution: The Technical University of Kenya

Country: Kenya

Project Title: Strengthening the Use of Foundational Learning Assessment Evidence in Kenya: Comparative Insights from Uwezo, FLANA, and NASMLA

Collaborators: Daniel Masinde Wesonga, Robert Kinanga (PhD), Mary Maina, Rosy Rodha Njiri, Pauline Karimi Njanga

From Evidence to Impact: Researchers Strengthening Foundational Learning Across Africa

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