Fostering Excellence in Early Childhood Education: A Cross-Country Knowledge Exchange

In November, Pharo School Nairobi hosted a transformative three-day Early Childhood Education (ECE) training, led by Peris, the Principal of Pharo School Kigali. This impactful training brought together educators and staff to explore innovative strategies around the theme of learning through play. The training exemplified Pharo Foundation’s ability to innovate by taking advantage of the individual strengths of each of the Pharo Schools and diffusing them across the organisation. Organisational learning does not stop at the borders with our Pharo family of schools. 

Why Play-Based Learning Matters 

In 2024, Pharo Foundation and TEACH Rwanda conducted a pilot Teacher Capacity Building initiative in Kigali, Rwanda, focusing on enhancing preschool and elementary education through targeted training and mentorship. The program emphasized play-based learning (Learning Through Play - LTP) and age-appropriate instructional methods under the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). Employing a quasi-experimental design, the study compared 122 treatment teachers with 152 in the comparison group, assessing outcomes in pedagogy, learning environment, and curriculum implementation through structured classroom observations. Data analysis from our in-house Research, Evaluation and Design team is underway, with results expected to inform scalability and broader education policy. 

 Key Topics and Lessons 

The training, held in November, focused on practical ways to incorporate play into everyday teaching, demonstrating how to make learning dynamic, interactive, and impactful. Key topics included: 

• Integrating Play in Language Lessons: Teachers learned how to construct sentences and teach grammar through playful activities such as storytelling, word puzzles, and sentence-building games. For instance, learners were encouraged to form sentences while participating in role-playing activities, making abstract concepts tangible and enjoyable. 

• Incorporating Play in Maths Education: Teachers explored games such as counting exercises using physical objects, pattern-making with building blocks, and simple problem-solving challenges through interactive group activities. 

• Creative Arts and Movement: The training emphasized the importance of integrating arts and movement into the curriculum. Activities included collaborative drawing, dramatic play, and dance routines to encourage expression and collaboration. 

• Hands-On Practical Games: A variety of engaging games were played, such as scavenger hunts to teach spatial awareness, relay races for teamwork, and object-sorting activities to teach classification and organization skills. 

• Interactive and Inclusive Learning: Pharo School Nairobi teachers practiced methods to ensure that all learners are actively involved, such as circle-time games which include each child, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence. 

Each session was designed to be hands-on, with teachers participating in the very activities they would later implement in their classrooms. 

A Collaborative Approach 

This training builds on the ground-breaking work of our head of education, Christine Osae, in Kigali, whose pilot project successfully introduced play-based learning in public schools. By drawing from Kigali’s experiences, Pharo School Nairobi teachers gained insights into adapting these methods to their unique classroom contexts. 

The training also provided a platform for educators to network, exchange ideas, and collaboratively develop strategies for implementing what they had learned. This cross-country knowledge exchange reinforces Pharo Foundation’s mission to foster excellence in education through collaboration and shared learning. 

A Bright Future Ahead 

The focus on engaging learners through creative play aligns with Pharo Foundation’s goal of empowering young minds to become confident, curious, and capable individuals. By integrating play-based learning, we are not only enhancing academic outcomes but also equipping learners with essential life skills. 

We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this training as teachers implement these innovative strategies in their classrooms, creating environments where young learners can thrive and flourish.