Small Talks, No. 104
Friday November 1, 2024
Welcome to the 104th edition of Small Talks. Every Friday, I highlight 6 areas of weekly joys and reflections in early childhood and the whole family. Small Talks leverages my experience at the intersection of education, philanthropy, and impact investing. Enjoy!
What I’m celebrating -
I had the great privilege of attending and speaking at the WED (World Early Childhood Education) Forum in Abu Dhabi this past week, led by the Early Childhood Authority (ECA). ECA’s mission is to make Abu Dhabi the most family friendly city in the world by bringing innovation, research, and practice toward system change- a laudable goal I wish more places would adopt. I had written this piece for Forbes last year. Please see also more here on new research threads ECA is launching.
Did you know?
Increasing Enrollment: In the last two decades, global enrollment in early childhood education has increased by a stunning 28 points from 33% in 2000 to 61% in 2020. Although long ways to go, this is incredible global progress across the world.
Improved Lifelong Outcomes: Children who participate in quality early childhood education are twice more likely to be on track on learning outcomes, and 25% more likely to graduate high school and 4 times more likely to hold a stable job in adulthood, according to UNICEF and UNESCO research. My favorite data is from Nepal, where children attending early childhood education programs are 17 times more likely to be on track in their early literacy and numeracy skills!
High Parent Engagement: Globally, parental engagement has increased significantly. Please see below time spent by mothers with children (one notable exception: France!). Although generally a highly positive trend, it also raises some questions about rising helicopter parenting and reduced child autonomy/agency. Also, quantity of time is not necessarily quality time. In Jordan, while 9 in 10 children under 6 spend most of their day with their mothers, less than 1% of parents read to their children on a typical day.
Widespread Online Usage: 87% of 3- to 4-year-olds worldwide already online, 23% of them are on social media.
Increasing Spend: Global spend on early care and education programs stands at approximately 0.4% GDP worldwide. The 2022 Tashkent Declaration is the first international call recommending at least 10% of education expenditures to pre-primary education, and to prioritize and reorient public expenditures for ECCE to focus on the poorest and most disadvantaged.
Some hope.
The AnjalZ cohort of global early childhood innovators selected by TechStars is inspiring - addressing neonatal care, autism, and screen-less book reading, and more.
Great to also spend time with innovators from past cohorts, such as WonderTree, bringing fun learning solutions for young children with learning differences, Lamsa, offering an integrated platform for governments and early childhood centers reducing teacher load by nearly 50%, and Peekapak, elevating social emotional learning.
Also, WISE announced the winners for the 2024 WISE Education Prize (I had the honor to be a judge for this competition). Inspired by Darsel improving math outcomes via whatsapp, or TUMO bringing experiential digital experiences for older kids in Armenia and beyond.
What I’m listening to -
The Early Childhood Research Podcast by Dr. Kate Highfield in Australia invites various global experts on early childhood education. Check out this episode on inclusion and play.
What I’m reading -
I loved this piece by Jackie Mader about Norway that has enshrined early childhood education into law as a national priority.
What I’m watching -
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a powerful movie that brings to life the inspiring true story of William Kamkwamba, a young boy from Malawi who, against all odds, builds a wind turbine to save his drought-stricken village. This act of innovation not only transforms his village’s fortunes but also serves as a testament to the impact of education, resilience, and ingenuity.
What I’m learning more deeply -
Are We There Yet? is a new foresight trend report commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. It explores 7 mega trends. Do you agree with those trends? What else are you seeing?
Two quotes I’m pondering -
From two great global leaders:
Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth, those who care for and protect our people.
– Nelson Mandela
If we are to reach real peace in this world, we shall have to begin with the children.
– Mahatma Gandhi
Feedback is a gift. Which part above is your favorite? What did I miss? What do you want more or less of? Other recommendations? Please kindly let me know. Thank to all of you who are sending me amazing suggestions.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help spread the word by sharing with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
✨ Unlock the power of relationships in learning. Thanks for your help in spreading the word about my upcoming book "Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education" with your community and spark conversations about how care, connection, and relational intelligence can transform education and unlock human potential. The book is available for pre-order and will be published on February 11, 2025. 📚❤️
Have a wonderful week. Please stay safe and care for each other.
Isabelle