New paper calls for urgent action to tackle ‘global learning poverty’

Embu. Education experts have called for the rapid translation of research findings into government policy to address what they term a “global learning poverty crisis”.

The call was made during the 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and Education Development Forum (EDF) Conference in Embu, Kenya, where a new literacy paper was previewed ahead of its official launch later this year.

Produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE) in collaboration with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council, the report urges governments to act swiftly to embed proven strategies into classrooms.

The paper highlights three key messages: that foundational literacy is critical for children’s future learning, that evidence already exists on what works to improve literacy outcomes, and that partnerships between global and local actors are essential to accelerate impact.

“Without foundational literacy, children are locked out of future learning opportunities. We know what works — structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale,” the report notes.

The conference, organised by the Zizi Afrique Foundation, brought together researchers, policymakers, and education stakeholders every two years to bridge the gap between research and decision-making.

At the conference, WWHGE convened a high-level session on strengthening the education evidence ecosystem and building a roadmap for reform in Kenya.

The hub reiterated its mission to ensure that rigorous global research — including the GEEAP Literacy Paper — is adopted in policy and implemented in classrooms.

Through partnerships with education ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is supporting countries to design practical reforms that improve how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.

The British Council also showcased its Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE) initiative, which combines literacy, language, and life skills to prepare young people for work, resilience, and active citizenship.

Together, WWHGE, GEEAP, and the British Council aim to embed evidence-based literacy solutions into national reform agendas, ensuring that every child has access to proven methods to gain essential reading and learning skills.