Foundational learning in fragile contexts is both an urgent education challenge and a wider societal concern. In fragile contexts, including in crisis-affected settings, children are more likely to experience disrupted schooling, displacement, insecurity, teacher shortages, and weakened learning environments, all of which make it harder to build the basic literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional foundations needed for further learning and life opportunities. For this reason, the session will not only consider the barriers to foundational learning in fragile settings but also examine the evidence on what works and how practitioners and decision-makers can exchange concrete practices that improve learning in adversity.

Session objectives:

• Examine the evidence and practices that suggest ways to improve foundational learning in fragile and crisis-affected contexts.

• Explore how support for foundational learning can be understood not only as an education priority, but also as an investment in human capital, social cohesion, and long-term stability.

• Generate practical insights for dialogue and action among policymakers, practitioners, donors, and partners working on education in fragile settings.

Photo credit: © I. Rugenge / HI