9 out of 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa can’t read a simple story by age 10.
Learning poverty is a defining crisis of our time.
When children fail to acquire foundational literacy and numeracy, they are effectively locked out of future learning. Children who can’t read by age 10 are far less likely to complete primary school — and each year of delay multiplies the cost of catching up. Weak foundational skills are also associated with poorer health outcomes, reduced civic participation, and higher vulnerability to crime (World Bank, 2018; Lochner, 2011).
children in Sub-Saharan Africa are in school but not learning the most basic skills.
UNICEFpotential global GDP gain over 20 years from achieving universal foundational learning.
What Works Hub, 2026 modellinguniversal basic education with strong foundational learning could double Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP per capita by 2050.
World BankDifferentiated Learning is one of the most cost-effective education interventions ever studied.
One of education’s “Great Buys.”
Targeted instruction is recommended as one of the most cost-effective approaches for improving learning.
Proven across different contexts.
Evidence from randomized evaluations across 46 countries shows that teaching children at their learning level can produce large learning gains.
4 extra years of quality schooling per $100.
Research across countries shows that targeted instruction can deliver up to four additional years of high-quality schooling for every $100 spent.
Build the foundations with us.
With your help, we can accelerate progress in this field and lift thousands of children out of learning poverty.