UNICEF and Australia launch new phase of Early Grade Learning Programme to improve foundational skills for young children in Papua

SORONG/JAKARTA, 16 July 2024 – UNICEF and the Australian Government, in partnership with the Government of Indonesia, today launched the new phase of the Rural and Remote Education Initiative for Papua Provinces 2024-2027 to improve foundational literacy and numeracy skills among children in the early grades of primary school in the Papua provinces.

Through funding support from the Australian Government of AUD6 million from 2024 to 2027, UNICEF will build on the previous programme phase (2021-24), which supported 159 primary schools in eight districts. Baseline research by UNICEF showed that between 12 to 69 per cent of students in third grade in the target districts were found to be non-readers.

Interventions in the previous phase resulted in an impressive 35 per cent average improvement in students reading with comprehension and a 45 per cent reduction in students categorized as non-readers in sample intervention schools.

These improvements in student learning were achieved by addressing several challenges that affect education for children in Papua, such as limited teacher training on student-centered teaching approaches and availability of reading materials.

The new phase will continue to improve the quality and inclusiveness of teaching and learning in schools. The programme is expected to benefit girls and boys, including those with disabilities, in around 120 primary schools and 36 early childhood development (ECD) centres across six districts of Pegunungan Arfak (West Papua), Tambrauw (Southwest Papua), Asmat (South Papua), Paniai (Central Papua), Yalimo, and Mamberamo Tengah (Highland Papua).

“Every child has the right to learn, and every child deserves our best effort to fulfil this right. This begins with investing in the crucial foundation that early childhood education provides for a child’s lifelong journey of learning,” said UNICEF Representative Maniza Zaman. “The continued partnership between UNICEF, the Government of Australia and the Government of Indonesia is a significant step in this direction for children in Papua.”

In the new phase of the programme, UNICEF and local implementing partners will deliver a range of interventions, including intensive training and mentoring for teachers to improve teaching quality. In collaboration with teacher training institutions in Papua provinces, quality early grade teaching modules and approaches will be integrated in the pre-service teacher education curriculum.

Quality materials will be provided for ECD centres to promote play-based learning and locally developed reading books will be provided to primary schools. Student learning assessments will be aligned with the national curriculum. 

The new phase will include support to ECD centres in addition to primary schools, based on lessons learned from the previous phase that strengthening school readiness for early learners and improving their transition from pre-primary education to Grade 1 primary school is important for building foundational skills and success in higher grades.

The programme will also improve the skills of school leaders to address teacher absenteeism as well as gender and disability-related challenges that affect student learning.

“The Government of Australia is proud to continue the partnership with UNICEF in further improving learning outcomes of girls, boys and children with disabilities from early childhood to early grades in Papua provinces,” said Australian Embassy Jakarta Counsellor for Human Development, Hannah Derwent. “We look forward to building sustainable partnerships with stakeholders and partners in enabling all children to attain foundational skills that will help them lead thriving and productive lives.”

UNICEF will work with national and local governments to help ensure the programme is expanded and sustained, including through technical assistance to district authorities to integrate the programme into their annual plans and budgets.