By Amadou Manjang
The University of the Gambia on Thursday launched the IDRC/GPE-KIX ECE Research Project on “Adapting and Scaling Early Learning Outcomes Assessments in the West and Central African Region to facilitate data-based decisions at the primary education level”.
The research project will last for four years. It will also be conducted in Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, and Burundi.
According to Vice Chancellor of the University of the Gambia Professor Herbert Robinson, the research finding will focus on addressing the challenges of primary education.
He said the research aims to address the gap in early learning in the country. He further added that this will provide valuable insights for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
He added that this assessment will be a ‘teaching and delivering tool’ in early education which will strengthen early childhood assessment. Meanwhile, he added that the research project shows the University of the Gambia’s commitment to the advancement of education in the country.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Louis Moses Mendy said research should improve education. He commended the University of the Gambia for taking the lead.
He added that the project is a significant step to achieving quality education in the Gambia as it will help lay the foundation of the education system.
According to Armand Gnahore, a representative of Unicef, the research will help the country in making decisions to improve childhood learning in the country.
