Laying the Foundations of Learning: Evidence-based approaches to literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional learning

In this briefer, we share the insights gained about improving learning outcomes from Save the Children Canada’s Girls’ Education Portfolio of projects in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Nigeria, funded by Canada’s Charlevoix Education Initiative from 2020 to 2023. After an overview of the importance of learning outcomes, we outline Save the Children’s evidence-based approaches to literacy and numeracy, built on decades of experience through implementation in 36 countries. Next, we cover our proven methodologies to improve children’s social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies and discuss the importance of SEL for children’s wellbeing and learning, especially important in crisis settings. We summarize our interventions to address the ways that issues of equity and access impact learning outcomes, including gender equality, disability-responsiveness, and poverty. Finally, we discuss approaches to address learning outcomes in crisis contexts including armed conflict, climate change, and COVID-19. Case studies throughout highlight examples from each of the three projects. We conclude with recommendations for future programming.