Foundational learning is a moral imperative. But it is also the invisible infrastructure that underpins a country’s economic growth and prosperity. This article highlights why foundational learning is a national economic priority for India: thecsruniverse.com/articles/ind...

I’m heading to Dakar next week for the inaugural Yidan Prize Conference in Africa. I’m looking forward to connecting with colleagues from across the sector about a foundational truth: to unlock Africa’s demographic dividend, we must start with language. If you'll be there, let's connect!

The #WorldCup is a showcase of talent and human potential, and it’s powerful to also see footballing countries on the global stage that are also making #foundationalearning a national priority — like Morocco, co-host of the next World Cup. Check out this case story: www.worldbank.org/en/news/feat...

Today is International #DayoftheAfricanChild, and I’m reflecting on the reality that the workforce of tomorrow is sitting in African classrooms today. I am encouraged by the powerful progress we’re seeing. Together, we can ensure every child has the foundation to thrive.

We’re eager to see how AI can move the needle for education reform. But it’s not a silver bullet. This @gpforeducation.bsky.social provides an important roadmap for implementing AI in global education: www.globalpartnership.org/blog/edtech-...

Not all evidence is measured equally. An insightful new paper from @cgdev.org on how standard deviations can distort learning gains, and how we can make #education data more actionable. www.cgdev.org/blog/standar...

Exciting to see the launch of STEP-AI, a new partnership between the Gates Foundation and @renphil21.bsky.social to explore how AI-enabled coaching can support teachers across Sub-Saharan Africa and improve #FoundationalLearning outcomes. Learn more: www.renaissancephilanthropy.org/insights/ren...

Governments across SSA and India are proving that system-led gains in FLN are possible at scale. Read our new co-authored piece with the Global Coalition on Foundational Learning on how political ownership, instructional core, and classroom data drive these results: bit.ly/4utv2m1

Making AI an effective tool for teaching and learning requires shared infrastructure and our new partnership with Anthropic will build just that. Our work with the Turn.io accelerator is a first step to support learners and educators via WhatsApp. #EdTech Read more: bit.ly/4dLHiIr

Looking forward to the #EWF & #GlobalPartnershipsConference in London this week. My focus is on how cross-sector collaboration—connecting education with health and tech—can drive economic development. It all starts with foundational learning. Eager to connect with partners!

The latest #FLANA report makes the economic case for education equity clear. When a child's chance to learn is tied to family resources, we lose out on human potential. Closing the gap isn't just the right thing to do it's an investment in our future. Read more: bit.ly/4n4i2jJ #FoundationalLearning

To improve learning outcomes, we must understand the intersection of education and gender. The #BrinkFoundation’s Gender and Learning Evidence Fund is seeking researchers and implementers in Africa to help build the evidence and measurement to close the gap. Apply by June 5th: bit.ly/4w8D5WI

To achieve lasting change, education reforms must move from a series of standalone solutions to a coherent, system-wide strategy. Great reflection on the #FoundationalLearning strategy underway in South Africa's Western Cape: mg.co.za/thought-lead... #GlobalEducation

The inaugural report on #FoundationalLearning from the Zambian Parliament’s Committee on Education, Science, and Technology is a powerful commitment to accountability — and helps builds the political will needed to turn evidence and strategy into action.

Sustainable change rarely happens overnight — more often it is the product of steady perseverance. We can learn from the reform journey in Brazil’s education system in this video from Global Schools Forum. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn3F... #EducationReform

Great to see @wwhglobaled.bsky.social research cited in a recent @science.org article. While investing in foundational learning is one of the most powerful engines for global prosperity, this potential is at odds with spending patterns. Read more: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... #GlobalEducation

Missed it? 📢 On @voxdev.bsky.social Talks, @talknormal.co.uk & @geeap.bsky.social panelist @benlpiper.bsky.social discuss how to solve the global reading crisis - and what evidence-based instruction can achieve. 🎧 voxdev.org/topic/educat... Read the GEEAP-endorsed literacy report: bit.ly/4pVfIw9

This #IDE2026, a new insight note from Mettalytics, @wwhglobaled.bsky.social & the Gates Foundation shows what’s at stake: if 90% of children could read by age 10, universal #FoundationalLearning could add an estimated $196T to global GDP between 2031–2050. That’s trillions, not billions.

📢 New 🎙️ @benlpiper.bsky.social, @geeap.bsky.social panellist - explains why ineffective reading instruction is at the heart of the learning crisis, & how evidence-based approaches can transform outcomes @voxdev.bsky.social on the global reading crisis 🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/3YELmC4

🆕 How to solve the global reading crisis 📢 Today on #VoxDevTalks, @benlpiper.bsky.social (Gates Foundation) discusses how effective reading instruction can transform learning outcomes in developing countries: voxdev.org/topic/educat...

Today, ADQ and the Gates Foundation launched a new US$40M partnership to advance responsible #AI & #EdTech for #FoundationalLearning. Learn more: www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-...

Huge congrats to Mamadou Amadou Ly on the 2025 Yidan Prize for Education Development — powerful recognition of his leadership advancing equitable education across West Africa. His work shows how mother-tongue instruction can drive learning outcomes for children globally.

It was great to talk with Ecofin Agency at the #ADEATriennale2025. Read to learn more about how countries are making real progress through political commitment, domestic budget allocation, and clear learning targets: www.ecofinagency.com/insights/191...

When the new evidence on reading from diverse contexts points in the same direction, we should pay attention. The new GEEAP report synthesizes ~150 studies on effective reading instruction from LMICs covering 165+ languages. Join the launch webinar on Dec 4 at 9am ET bit.ly/3Khlhp8

Historic news from #G20SouthAfrica: #IBSALeaders (India, Brazil, South Africa) commit to establish the IBSA Network for Quality #FoundationalLearning – centering learning outcomes for every child. Excited to see momentum grow under SA’s IBSA Presidency next year. acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:...

ADEA is seeking a Founding Executive Director to shape and lead FLIGHT, a new catalytic funding initiative to support African governments to implement proven foundational learning interventions at scale. Learn more: adeanet.org/en/call-appl...

Honored to join ADEA at the #ADEATriennale2025 to discuss the new GEEAP endorsed report and its implications not just for literacy outcomes, but the potential for economic development if implemented properly. Listen to the podcast here: www.adeanet.org/en/podcasts/...

Just back from an intense week in Accra with ADEA, partners, and leaders in global education from across Africa. Don’t miss my takeaways and where we can go with the commitments shared at the #ADEATriennale2025. www.linkedin.com/posts/benjam...

FLIGHT, the Foundational Learning Initiative for Government-led Transformation, empowers African Ministers of Education with tools and networks to strengthen their efforts to improve #FoundationalLearning – centering local leadership for lasting impact. media.licdn.com/dms/document...

#OutNow: The new report on effective reading instruction from GEEAP provides compelling guidance on how children learn to read and how to teach them most effectively. Evidence-based teaching matters. documents.worldbank.org/en/publicati...

The Gates Foundation Global Education team is off to Accra for the ADEA #Triennale2025. Join us and partners at the following sessions to hear about #FoundationalLearning progress and the programs that are improving learning outcomes across the continent.

Glad to see Mamadou Amadou Ly and ARED recognized in @devex.com. We’re proud to partner on their work in bilingual education so more kids get high-quality instruction in a language they understand. www.devex.com/news/how-bil...

Last month, I joined a partners visit to India and learned how the national education mission has led to measurable improvements in learning outcomes. With strong political will, prioritization and accountability, large-scale reform is an achievable goal.

At the #UNGA80 #DisruptToDeliver event, it was clear that there is strong commitment to improve learning outcomes. Smarter spending and a laser focus on foundational skills are the way forward. knowledgehub.adeanet.org/en/elibrary/...

Since USAID’s closure @datafirst.bsky.social's AFLEARN data hub has worked to preserve essential education data from over 43 countries, representing over 20 years of evidence. Great to see partners working together to address challenges imposed by aid cuts: www.datafirst.uct.ac.za/aflearn/data...

Congratulations to Mamadou Amadou Ly, ARED's Executive Director, for being awarded the Yidan Prize for education development. ARED’s work highlights the critical role of mother tongue instruction in equitably driving foundational learning outcomes yidanprize.org/laureates/ma...

It's time to rethink how we fund global education. Flexible, strategic donor investments designed to align with local priorities leads to impact. Let’s invest in what works. Read more from a recent op-ed written by myself and Hon. Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima: newafricanmagazine.com/31035/

Thanks ADEA for having me on their podcast series. I am inspired by education colleagues and ministers that have decided to prioritize learning and dedicate domestic funding to ensure students gain foundational skills. Listen here: creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/...

A new analysis underscores the threat of shrinking education aid. We must pivot existing resources toward evidence-based foundational learning programs that unlock millions in GDP growth, higher earnings, and employment opportunities. Learn more: www.cgdev.org/blog/precari...

I’m joining Gates colleagues, as well as grantees and partners this week at #UKFIET2025. This event offers a great opportunity for knowledge sharing that builds on the momentum we’re seeing from African governments prioritizing #FoundationalLearning given its huge returns.

Pleased to share the new communications toolkit on #FoundationalLearning, packed with practical, evidence-based strategies to help governments, educators, and partners engage new audiences. Explore it here: www.imidibaniso.co.za/wp-content/u...

New in @voxdev.bsky.social, I joined @noamangrist.bsky.social, Pia Britto, @gamblingondev.bsky.social, Michelle Kaffenberger, and @deankarlan.bsky.social on the impact of funding cuts and what we can do to continue progress despite them. voxdev.org/topic/educat...

Just wrapped a powerful week in India with the Global Coalition for Foundational Learning. Grateful to hear from the experts implementing #FoundationalLearning programs and to see the effects of strong government leadership. More from Human Capital Africa: www.linkedin.com/posts/human-...

🆕 Doing more with less: Why foreign aid should prioritise foundational learning now By @noamangrist.bsky.social @blavatnikschool.bsky.social, Pia Britto @unicef.org, @gamblingondev.bsky.social, Michelle Kaffenberger @wwhglobaled.bsky.social, @deankarlan.bsky.social & @benlpiper.bsky.social ⤵️

When teachers are supported and engaged in #FoundationalLearning, children’s learning outcomes notably improve. Looking forward to the discussions at @unesco.org’s World Summit on Teachers and the commitments that emerge.

In the wake of reduced development aid, we must support domestic resource mobilization, make #FoundationalLearning skills a top priority, and use data to fund what works. Coordinated global education financing ensures that students get the quality education they deserve.

New data from @cgdev.org shows that investing in #FoundationalLearning provides major economic returns for #LMICs. Kudos to the many governments, donors, and education leaders who prioritize investment in foundational skills for prosperous futures. Read more: www.cgdev.org/blog/childre...

I was honored to speak with @devex.com on why #FoundationalLearning is one of the smartest investments governments can make for economic growth – and how the Gates Foundation is committed to supporting their path to scale-up. Read the article here: www.devex.com/news/gates-f...

📚📊 NEW @cgdev.org RESEARCH: Children who master basic reading and math in primary school earn significantly more as adults. Evidence that foundational literacy and numeracy skills have real economic returns throughout life.

Kids who gain reading and math skills stay in school longer, have more job opportunities, earn more, and live healthier lives. This #WorldYouthSkillsDay, let’s implement proven solutions to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life. #WYSD2025