Step 1: Build awareness

We want to  ensure decision-makers understand the following:

• The magnitude of the problem: The catastrophic learning crisis across the region using data and evidence
• The detrimental effect of poor FLN outcomes on other socioeconomic indicators: Determining the clear link FLN has, not only on all future and types of learning but also on key socioeconomic and human development factors
• What it will take to solve the problem: Best practices, tools, and guidance that can be used to adequately and effectively fix the crisis

Step 2: Ensure adoption

Once there is clear political salience of the issue, we want  to ensure decision-makers are:

• Using data and evidence to investigate the barriers to learning and identify gaps
• Adapting their education plans and strategies to target the identified barriers to learning through the ‘right’ actions
• Investing the ‘right’ set of resources to supplement the right set of actions needed to improve FLN
• Effectively implementing the right set of actions and interventions to improve FLN outcomes through partner support

Step 3: Ensure accountability

Once policymakers have committed to improving outcomes, our aim would be to ensure there is strong accountability across the system that drives progress. This would include:

• Agreeing on a set of targets for the next 3-5 years with country leaders that can be tracked regularly
• Ensuring regular reviews of performance at national and regional levels to track progress
• Convening a regional forum of leaders dedicated to reviewing progress on FLN indicators

Expertise and know-how of what works to get SSA policymakers to take action through its leadership team

The board and its influence to make sure leaders care and take note of what needs to be done to improve FLN

Connections and collaboration with partners to enable best practice implementation allowing the ecosystem to become greater than the sum of its parts

Data and evidence to amplify the urgency of solving the learning crisis. We have designed the HCA Foundational Learning Scorecard – an accountability and analytical tool to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of children.