Dalberg’s Post

Investing in Early Education: Unlocking Potential and Breaking Barriers! 💡🌍 Why invest in early education? It's not just about reading; it's about transforming lives, ending poverty, and building a foundation for a brighter future. FACT: UNICEF recognizes early childhood development as a cost-efficient investment in human capital, crucial for sustainable development. Read our blog on this topic to discover how early childhood education shapes a literate population, strengthens communities, and directly influences a country's economic well-being. Let's pave the way for a brighter, educated, and empowered future together: https://loom.ly/ozc3wzo #earlyeducation #humancapital #transforminglives #endingpoverty #endpoverty #childhooddevelopment #childhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #investing #learning

Empowering Out-of-School Children: A Call to Action As some schools resumed last week and some will be resuming tomorrow I’m reminded of the power of education to transform lives. Yet, so many children in our communities remain out of school due to various circumstances—whether it’s financial constraints, lack of resources, or simply not having the right support. Every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and unlock their potential, and that’s why I’m committed to helping out-of-school children get back into the classroom by facilitating their enrollment in schools. This mission is personal to me because I believe education is a right, not a privilege. By ensuring that these children have access to quality education, we are giving them the tools they need to succeed and break cycles of poverty. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help. If you know any children in your neighborhood or networks who are out of school and need assistance, please connect with me. Your support could be the bridge that leads them to a brighter future. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society where no child is left behind. Let’s work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Feel free to reach out if you want to know how you can contribute or support this initiative. Whether it’s through referrals, sharing resources, or simply spreading the word, every bit counts. #EducationForAll #EqualOpportunity #BackToSchool #EveryChildMatters #MakingADifference #SupportEducation #Inclusion #EducationIsARight #NoChildLeftBehind

We welcome today’s important report from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood which bolsters the business case for investing in early childhood to help create a happier, healthier and more prosperous society. We know that building early language, literacy and communication skills in a child’s early years is crucial for their development and future life chances. Without this foundation, children’s learning, confidence and wellbeing will be negatively affected and they will be more likely to struggle with their GCSEs and be unemployed in their 30s. The scale of the challenge is immense. Last year alone, 185,000 five-year-olds started school without the literacy skills they need to thrive, with those in poverty most affected. Our research with Pro Bono Economics and KPMG UK puts the cost of this disadvantage gap in England at a staggering £800m every year. There is no ‘silver bullet’ solution but, at the National Literacy Trust, we know we must work together to solve this language and literacy challenge. Earlier this year, we launched our #EarlyWordsMatter campaign to call on stakeholders from across the business community and all political and professional backgrounds to commit to working together to provide better early years support for families in disadvantaged communities and to drive evidence-based change. Businesses have a unique role to play and are already making a significant difference. WHSmith is a long-term signatory of our Vision for Literacy Business Pledge and a key founding partner of our Early Words Matter campaign. Last summer, they launched the Early Words Matter campaign in over 100 stores by sharing book recommendations and reading tips with parents. They also fund a community programme in the most deprived area of Swindon that helps parents support their children’s early literacy and communication; without this programme children would start primary school up to 19 months behind their more fortunate peers. Together, we can empower families and early years professionals with more opportunities and early advice to support children’s literacy development in those crucial first years. Find out more about how you and your business can make a difference: https://lnkd.in/eg2sU6Pp

The Literacy Crisis: A Global and National Concern There is a pressing literacy crisis globally and in the United States, disproportionately affecting African American communities. *Global Literacy Crisis:* 1. 773 million adults (15+ years) lack basic literacy skills (UNESCO, 2020) 2. 60% of preschool-age children in developing countries do not have access to early childhood education (UNICEF, 2020) *US Literacy Crisis:* 1. 36 million adults in the US lack basic prose literacy skills (NCES, 2019) 2. 1 in 5 high school graduates cannot read at grade level (NAEP, 2019) 3. 30% of 4th graders and 25% of 8th graders read below grade level (NAEP, 2019) *African American Literacy Crisis:* 1. 85% of African American 4th graders read below grade level (NAEP, 2019) 2. 60% of African American 8th graders read below grade level (NAEP, 2019) 3. 45% of African American adults lack basic prose literacy skills (NCES, 2019) 4. African American students are 2x more likely to attend under-resourced schools (EdBuild, 2020) *Causes:* 1. Poverty and socioeconomic disparities 2. Limited access to quality education 3. Inadequate teacher training 4. Lack of early childhood literacy programs 5. Systemic racism and educational inequity *Consequences:* 1. Limited education and job opportunities 2. Increased poverty and inequality 3. Reduced economic growth and competitiveness 4. Decreased civic engagement and social mobility *Solutions:* 1. Early childhood literacy programs targeting African American communities 2. Evidence-based reading instruction 3. Community-based literacy initiatives 4. Policy reforms addressing educational inequity 5. Increased funding for literacy programs 6. Culturally responsive teaching practices *Call to Action:* Addressing the literacy crisis requires a collaborative effort from governments, educators, organizations, and individuals. Support organizations addressing literacy disparities, volunteer, advocate for policy reforms, and donate to literacy-focused initiatives. Together, we can bridge the literacy gap and empower African American communities to reach their full potential.

The Importance of Education for Vulnerable Kids, Their Families, and Communities Education is crucial for transforming the lives of vulnerable children, their families, and entire communities. Here's why: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Education provides vulnerable children with the skills needed to secure better jobs and contribute economically to their families, breaking generational poverty cycles. Empowering Families: Educated children share knowledge with their families, helping them make informed decisions about health, finances, and other key areas, ultimately improving their overall well-being. Fostering Social Inclusion: Education enables vulnerable children, often from marginalized backgrounds, to feel included and develop socially. It also reduces their chances of exploitation, like child labor or early marriage. Strengthening Communities: Educated children grow up to contribute actively to their communities, fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and creating social change. National Development: A skilled, educated workforce drives innovation and national progress. Prioritizing education for vulnerable kids is an investment in the future of any country. Mental Well-being: School offers vulnerable children structure, emotional support, and a safe environment, building their resilience and self-esteem. Lifelong Learning: Education fosters a love for learning that encourages adaptability and continuous growth, benefiting both individuals and communities. Impact on Future Generations: Educated children are more likely to pass on the value of education to their own kids, creating a lasting impact on future generations. Education is not just a human right, but a powerful tool that can change lives, families, and communities. Investing in the education of vulnerable children is essential to building a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous world. It is a long-term commitment that pays dividends not only for the individual child but for society as a whole. It is our collective responsibility—governments, NGOs, businesses, and individuals—to ensure that vulnerable children receive the education they deserve. After all, when we educate a child, we don't just improve their future—we uplift entire families and communities, creating a brighter world for everyone. #EducationForAll #VulnerableYouth #CommunityDevelopment #InclusiveEducation #ChildEmpowerment #BreakingTheCycleOfPoverty #GlobalEducation #SocialImpact #FutureGenerations #LinkedInDiscussion

In just a week, I will complete the compulsory national youth service programme, a transformative experience that has changed my perspective on community development. For over a decade, I focused on working with older youth (18-35). However, this past year of serving children aged 5-18 has opened my eyes to the profound disparities that need to be addressed with a sense of URGENCY and EFFECTIVENESS. I have long understood that the experiences we have as children greatly shape the adults we become, and this underscores the critical importance of providing safe, high-quality education & support for children, as their formative years lay the foundation for their future success and well-being. This is why I am deeply grateful and honoured to have been part of the incredible work done by the amazing team Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), under the brilliant leadership of Gideon Seun Olanrewaju. Contributing to their mission has been a privilege that has enriched my perspective. Through this experience, I have developed a newfound passion for social advocacy and bridging educational learning gaps in underserved communities. As Dr. Paul Brand so eloquently stated, "A healthy body is not a body that feels no pain. A healthy body is one that attends to the pain of the weakest part." My experience working with these communities has taught me that true development must be holistic - addressing the physical, mental, social, intellectual and emotional needs of all community members, especially those who have been marginalised or overlooked. It is not enough to focus solely on the "high-performing" individuals; we must invest in the well-being of every child and community member, for they are the foundation of our shared future. The next phase of my odyssey commences soon, and I am more committed than ever to continuing this important work and to being at the forefront of creating lasting, equitable change. It gets better! #Education #Development #HolisticDevelopment #Transformation #SocialIssues

📚 Why Literacy Matters: Breaking Barriers for Marginalized Communities I had the honor of collaborating with two of the founders of #theNashvilleBlackLiteracyCoalition , Tiffeni Fontno, Ed.D. Ashford Hughes Sr. and Eno Richardson, M.Ed. Their mission is about empowerment, equity, and breaking generational cycles. In our discussion, we explored: ✅ The barriers marginalized communities face in accessing literacy resources ✅ The transformative impact of education on individuals and families ✅ How we can ALL contribute to making literacy accessible for everyone This initiative is a game-changer, and I’m excited to share their story with you. 💡 Education is the foundation of opportunity, and it starts with literacy. Let’s amplify this message and support efforts like these that pave the way for a brighter future. 💬 They would love to hear your thoughts: How do you think they can better support literacy in communities near you? 👥 Tag someone who needs to see this! #LiteracyMatters #EducationForAll #EquityInEducation #CommunityImpact #Empowerment #NashvilleInitiatives

It’s been a fair while since the last time I introduced or shall I say reintroduced myself. In that time, a lot has changed in the connections I’ve made here on LinkedIn and in the ways we serve. It only makes sense that I reintroduce myself and share a bit about what I do. I’m Chief Curation Officer here at Happier Every Chapter. Fancy, I know😊 With more than 2 decades working as an IT Consultant, I now live out my passion for reading by helping families, educators and corporates create academic and social impact. How? Through Happier Every Chapter independent bookshop & book subscription service. Amongst other things, I curate inclusive and representative literature for children and adults. For children, it’s great way to shape global outlook and nurture reading for pleasure; a formidable tool for social justice and social mobility We curate books with intention and with purpose. So that inclusion and representation is weaved into school topics and the curriculum. So, whether they’re learning about neurodiversity or climate change, each child feels the books are designed for them and those around them to feel seen, heard, included and valued. This work matters. Hugely so. Learning poverty & literacy rates are at shocking levels. I’ll cite 7 even more shocking UK stats ❌ 1 in 5 UK children aged 5-8 do not own a book ❌ 1 in 8 schools don’t have a library ❌ In 2022, 275k UK children (41% of Yr 6 kids) entered secondary school unable to read or write properly ❌ 1 in 7 or 14.9% of adults in the UK have a reading age of 11 or below ❌ 16.4% of UK adults are functionally illiterate ❌ 1 in 3 disadvantaged children in the UK (approx 33%) start school without the necessary language and literacy skills ❌ 40% of UK’s adult prison population have literacy skills below those expected of an 11-year-old Long and short term economic, social, educational, civic and emotional impacts of these challenges is hard to quantify. The outlook is dreadful whether you consider consequences like lower earning potential, increased welfare dependency, poorer health outcomes, higher crime rates or intergenerational cycles of poverty By now you’re wondering the full deets of what we do, I’ll explain. We; ✅ Curate inclusive children’s book for schools & libraries ✅ Provide a monthly book subscription service for children ✅ Partner with corporates & HNW families for literacy related social change through impact investing, philanthropy and CSR ✅ Deliver Creative writing workshops for children ✅ Carry out library diversity audits ✅ Curate for corporate book clubs ✅ Run Immersive Corporate book talks. An alternative to traditional book clubs ✅ Deliver Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Speaking engagements Follow me if you are an educator or parent looking to supercharge your children’s reading engagement/attainment or if you are a corporate seeking a seasoned speaker or ways to invest with impact #education #corporates #speaker #literacy #diversity #inclusion

Active participation in social impact projects, especially those centered on education, brings profound and far-reaching benefits. It empowers communities by providing children with the tools they need to succeed in school, which is a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of poverty. When children are well-equipped and supported, they are more likely to stay in school, excel academically, and ultimately, have better opportunities in life. When parents see their children benefiting from these initiatives, it instills a sense of hope and resilience within the community. They are encouraged to stay engaged in their children's education, knowing they are not alone in their challenges. These initiatives serve as powerful reminders that we all have a role to play in strengthening our communities. By actively participating in social impact projects, we can collectively ease the burden on schools, learners, and parents, ensuring that every child has a fair chance to succeed. #socialchange #educationforall #communitysupport #educationmatters

We have a simple goal: to help more disadvantaged children to close their literacy gap. Now, more than ever, our specialist tuition is needed but without the support of our committed corporate partners, we can only do so much. We are proud of our impact and last year we reached 1,045 children and provided 10,688 expert #literacy tuition sessions. Does your company share our vision and could you help to increase the literacy levels of children who need our help the most? Support from companies is vital in helping us to #closetheliteracygap for disadvantaged children so not only do they catch up, they can then race ahead. For more information about our corporate partnership opportunities and supporting our vital work contact Susy, our Senior Partnerships Manager. Email: [email protected] Together we can change children’s lives, now and for the future. #corporatepartnerships #corporategiving #socialimpact #csrinitiatives #corporatedonation #corporatefundraising #closingtheliteracygap #literacyforall #literacymatters #educationforall #esgstrategy #esgreporting #esginvesting #neurodiversity #neurodiversityatwork #TheChildrensLiteracyCharity