CIE students Kayla Boisvert, a Project Assistant for the CIE’s Education in Crisis and Conflict Network (ECCN) Project and Nina Papadopoulos (Right) - (Ed.D. Sept. 2018) of USAID contributed to the design and facilitation of a highly successful accelerated education training program in Uganda.

In November 2018, USAID officers, ministry of education officials, and implementing partners from ten countries in Africa gathered in Entebbe, Uganda, to attend a 4-day workshop to build their knowledge and skills related to Accelerated Education policy and practice. Designed to meet the goals of the Accelerated Education Working Group (AEWG), the training, hosted by ECCN, the AEWG, and USAID, promoted a harmonized approach to Accelerated Education, following the AEWG’s 10 Principles of Effective Practice (downlads pdf).

Kayla facilitated a number of sessions including accelerated learning principles and practice; AEP curriculum, and Monitoring and Evaluation. Also facilitating the training was Nina Papadopoulos, the Team Leader for Education in Crisis and Conflict in USAID’s Office of Education.

The workshop utilized evidence on accelerated education derived from the AEWG Case Studies, guidance developed by the AEWG, and the experience of accelerated education policy and implementation worldwide.

During the workshop, participants identified the unique characteristics of accelerated education, its intended targets and goals and its distinction from other forms of alternative and non-formal education. They learned how to assess the quality of accelerated education programs using the 10 Principles for Effective Practice and adapted and contextualized the 10 Principles of Effective Practice to their specific context.

Working in country teams (Somalia group pictured right), they practiced designing an accelerated education program and related policies that utilized a globally recognized harmonized approach. They also applied the harmonized approach to accelerated education policy and systems development in their country.

Participants reported learning a practical knowledge and skills which they can apply in their country contexts, and they appreciated the interactive, participatory nature of the learning sessions. To learn more about the workshop including detailed design and materials used, visit the ECCN event page.