Education goal 6 of Education for All (EFA) underlines the importance of the achievement of recognized and measurable learning outcomes by all. In spite of this, the EFA Global Monitoring Report of 2012 indicates that global inequality in learning outcomes remains stark and as many as 250 million children could be failing to read or write by the time they should reach grade 4.

Therefore, this conference will focus on how to increase mean scores and reduce inequality in learning outcomes in developing countries. More in particular the conference will discuss the role of teachers, school leaders, parents and local communities in improving literacy, numeracy, science, technology and life skills of the most vulnerable and marginalized children and youth.

The objective is to bring under discussion interventions, programmes, measures and experiences for improving equity in learning outcomes. Geographically seen, the spotlight is on Latin America, Sub Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia.

Educaid.be aims to enrich the discussion by bringing research and experience from the world of education and development cooperation together: academics and researchers, policy-makers and practitioners from non-governmental organizations.

09:15-10:55

PART 1

Kwame Akyeampong
Learning to teach for equitable Learning Outcomes: Learning lessons from Primary Education in sub-Sahara Africa
Dr. Albert Kwame Akyeampong
Professor of International Education and Development, University of Sussex
Sara Ruto
Engaging Citizens to Spur Improvements in Literacy and Numeracy: The Uwezo Approach
Dr. Sara J. Ruto
Regional Manager, Uwezo East Africa
Monazza Aslam
Teacher Characteristics, Actions and Perceptions: What Matters for Student Achievement in Pakistan?
Dr. Monazza Aslam
Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Education, University of London
11:20-13:00

PART 2

Jenny Hobbs
The simplexity of literacy for poor and vulnerable children
Jenny Hobbs
Education Advisor, Concern Worldwide
Hendrina Doroba
Promoting Girl's participation in Science, Mathematics and Technology - FAWE’s Experience
Hendrina Doroba
Acting Director and Senior Programme and Coordination Officer, Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE)
Philip Verwimp
Cognitive Development, Inequality and Early-Life Events: Evidence from Burundi
Prof. Dr. Philip Verwimp
Associate Professor of Development Economics at Université Libre de Bruxelles
13:00-14:15

LUNCH

14:15-16:15

BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

SESSION A

The role of teachers and school management in improving learning outcomes

  • E-learning as a facilitator for student-centered teaching to improve learning outcomes in Mathematics, Sciences, English and Arabic
    Dr. Rashid Jayousi, Project Manager E-learning 

  • Student-centered approaches in science and life skills education: What works in Cambodia?
    Stefaan Vande Walle (Programme Coordinator VVOB Cambodia) and Mono Keo (Technical Advisor VVOB Cambodia)

SESSION B

The role of parents and communities in improving learning outcomes

  • Community dynamics improve the quality of education in Tog
    Jean Tcha Bereï, Education Advisor Plan Togo

  • School is advantageous for all: children, parents and the community. The experience of Foyer Don Bosco Benin
    P. Juan José Gomez Serrano, Director, Foyer Don Bosco, Porto Novo, Benin

  • Improving learning outcomes by realising an equitable intercultural education
    Pascal Montoisy, Programme Administrator APEFE Bolivia

SESSION C

The role of teachers and school management in improving learning outcomes

  • The relevance of exception rules for learning achievement in Benin: the case of the Salesian school ‘Laura Vicuña’
    Sr Ana Victoria Ulate Vargas, Director of ‘Laura Vicuña’ school for general, technical and vocational education, Cotonou, Benin

  • The role of teachers in improving life skills in South Sudan
    Dr. Thelma Majela, Education Specialist (Life skills and peace building), UNICEF South Sudan