Engage
Through research implementation. Conduct small, rigorous studies RCTs in select schools using ALfA.
12-14 February 2026
Global Learning Lab 2026
Fast-Forward FLN
From Global Research to Systemic Transformation
Concept Note
The global learning crisis is a critical challenge, with over 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries unable to read or understand a simple text, rising to 89% in sub-Saharan Africa.1 Foundational learning gaps stall progress toward Sustainable Development Goals, especially Quality Education for All. Literacy and numeracy are essential for academic success, equity, and poverty reduction, highlighting the urgent need for effective approaches like ALfA (Accelerating Learning for All).
The Global Learning Lab 2026, a three-day conference, brings together education leaders, policymakers, NGOs, researchers, and funders to share insights, scale and embed proven solutions to the learning crisis. The event features pre-conference global research and Rapid Results Initiatives (RRIs), that deliver measurable FLN improvements in weeks.2 This actionable evidence will guide system-wide adoption of innovative FLN strategies to accelerate quality education for all.
| 1. World Bank, 2022. State of Global Learning Poverty, 2022 Update. | Explore Now |
| 2. DEVI, 2024. Research Report: Making India Literate | Download PDF |
Conference Objectives
Spotlight Robust
Global Research
Gain insights into future-ready, scalable, and sustainable FLN solutions, based on research and results from RRIs worldwide.
Actionable
Strategies
Take home tools and frameworks to implement high-impact, low-cost FLN programs;access materials for immediate use.
Global
Collaborations
Build networks with partners to support scaling and impact efforts and establish partnerships to sustain impact.
Scalable
Frameworks
Develop actionable strategies for integrating proven solutions like ALfA into national education systems.
Bringing Together
Education Ministers & Policymakers
Sharing insights on scaling foundational learning at national levels.
International Organizations
Bringing global insights and shaping global educational priorities.
Researchers & Practitioners
Presenting evidence-based approaches and innovations.
NGO & Community Leaders
Highlighting grassroots success stories & collaborative strategies.
Corporate and Philanthropic Partners
Commitments to global contributions and partnerships to boost FLN.
Conference Themes
Next Strategies for Literacy Mastery
Global & Local Perspectives on Literacy
Policy Leadership for Driving Systemic Change
Adversity to Opportunity: Challenges & Solutions
Fast-Tracking SDG4: Alliances for Global Impact
- Charting a Future Roadmap for Education
- School-Based Rapid Results Initiatives
- Community-Driven Rapid Results Innovations
- Government-Led Rapid Results Initiatives
- Best Practices Grounded in Research and Evidence
- Embedding 21st Century Skills, Climate Education and Social-Emotional Learning
- Leveraging Education Technology and AI
- Gamification and Interactive Learning
- Culturally Responsive Pedagogies
- Literacy and Numeracy in the Global South
- Literacy and Numeracy in the Global North
- Promoting Mother Tongue Literacy
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Education
- From Research to Impact: Scaling Proven Educational Innovations
- Embedding Accelerated Learning Approaches in Education Systems
- Transforming Teacher Education and Professional Development
- Leadership for Educational Change: Global Success Stories
- Shifting from Gatekeeping to Enabling Policy Frameworks
- Rethinking the Role of International Development Organizations
- Reforming Accountability Systems
- Cross-Border Policy Collaborations
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Education for Refugees and Conflict-Affected Regions
- Adult Literacy Innovations: Building Foundational Skills Across Generations
- Literacy: Challenges and Solutions
- Numeracy: Challenges and Solutions
- Supporting Learners with Disabilities
- Non-Traditional Learning Spaces
- Bringing the World Together in a Time-Bound Mission
- Foundational Skills: A Lift-All for the Sustainable Development Goals
- Meeting SDG4 Ahead of Time
- Funding and Supporting FLN Research, Scaling and Embedding
- Monitoring and Evaluation for SDG4
- Regional Education Coalitions
- Cross-Sector Advocacy & Partnerships
Proposed Schedule
Day 1
EVIDENCE AND INSPIRATION | Theme : Ignite the Path to FLN Success
23 FEB, Day 1
Opening Ceremony
- Welcome Address by Key Dignitaries
- Keynote: The Global Learning Gap in FLN – Why Accelerating Progress Matters
- Video Presentation: Global FLN Success Stories and Critical Areas for Action
Session 1: Evidence from Successful Programs
- Best practices & success stories from districts that have fast-tracked FLN.
- Video Case Studies: Innovative approaches that boosted FLN results.
Panel 1: Boosting FLN Through Evidence-Based Pedagogy
- Discussion: Pedagogy's role in FLN acceleration
- Focus: Reducing global FLN disparities by 2030
Roundtable 1: Challenges and Solutions in FLN Implementation
- Interactive Discussions: Addressing barriers like teacher shortages, attendance, and monitoring gaps
- Brainstorming: Solutions tailored to cultural and infrastructural diversity
Day 2
STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION | Theme: Accelerate FLN
24 FEB, Day 2
Session 2: Targeted Strategies for FLN
- Presentations: Literacy, numeracy, and teacher training strategies
- Focus: Leveraging collaborative, data-driven tools for swift results
Session 3: Data-Driven Success
- Insights: Using real-time data to monitor FLN progress
- Workshop: Tools and assessments for effective FLN tracking
Roundtable 2: FLN in Diverse Contexts
- Case Studies: Solutions for urban, rural, and marginalized regions
- Focus: Adapting FLN approaches to local languages and contexts
Special Guest Session: Global Policymakers
- Discussion: Policy's role in accelerating FLN progress
- Recommendations: Strategic initiatives to prioritize FLN globally
Day 3
OPTIONAL EVENTS | Theme: Showcase, Explore, and Innovate
24 FEB, Day 3
FLN Success Expo
- Exhibits: Tools, materials, and practices boosting FLN globally
- Interactive Displays: Real-life classroom examples demonstrating FLN success
Field Visits
- Guided School Visits: High-impact FLN practices and Q&A with educators
- Optional Tour: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow
Visit to Ayodhya
- Visit to Ram Mandir and the culturally significant and historical city of Ayodhya.
Why Lucknow? Why DEVI? Why CMS?
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh (India's most populous state) is the birthplace of ALfA—Accelerating Learning for All—developed through two decades of research and extensive fieldwork in slums, villages, government and private schools. Lucknow's unique confluence of innovation, inclusion, and grassroots engagement makes it the ideal host for a global conversation on transforming foundational literacy and numeracy.
Dignity Education Vision International (DEVI Sansthan), is an educational not-for-profit registered in India and the US. It has been pioneering research-based innovative solutions for quality education. DEVI has partnered with governments, organisations, and NGOs around the world, to showcase the power of a disruptive pedagogy.
City Montessori School (CMS): City Montessori School, Lucknow, is the world's largest schools by pupils, a Guinness Record holder, and the world's sole school recipient of the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education, which has served as laboratory for innovative practices like ALfA.
We look forward to collaborating with you!
Pre-Conference Rapid Results Initiatives (RRIs)
Engage. Expand. Embed.
The Global Learning Lab 2026 hinges on practical, evidence-based approaches to pedagogy. Prior to the conference, participants are invited to engage in a 45-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) in their own contexts to implement the RRI that facilitates policy integration through three phases:
Expand
Across a geography. Broaden ALfA's implementation throughout a district or state.
Embed
Into education systems. Integrate ALfA's resources and methodologies across teacher training and curriculum.
Who: Ministries of Education, NGOs, and partner organizations working in collaboration with governments at local, regional and national levels.
Some RRIs Worldwide
ghana
Olinga Foundation / Associates for Change
Peru
Arca Beta NGO
USA
Literate Chicago
Maldives
Ministry of Education, UNICEF
India
Various State Governments 17,000 Schools
Philippines
Dawnbreakers Foundation
Accelerating Learning for All (ALfA)
FAST
HOLISTIC
TRANSFORMATIVE
ALfA literacy and numeracy program has scaled rapidly from 20 schools to 17,000 government schools in India within two years, along with research implementations in 12 countries. Impressive early results indicate that the program is among the most cost-effective in the world, with significant learning gains (average: 0.48 SD) and costing just $4 per child. Toolkits are now available in 33 languages including Arabic, Chishona, Dari, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Twi and Yoruba.
ALfA Pedagogy: key features
Draws upon children's prior knowledge and hands-on experiences to discover new learning.
Interactive 1:1 paired learning without differentiation helps children learn faster and retain more.
Embeds 21st century skills and traits like collaboration, critical thinking, citizenship, climate-conciousness.
Teachers are galvanizers. They demonstrate how to work in pairs, ask questions, and guide students in paired hands-on activities.
Comprehensive FLN Booster Package
ALfA consists of a well-structured set of learning materials, assessment, apps and training to reach FLN goals swiftly, at scale. We are ready to serve as knowledge partners for schools, governments, and NGOs working for literacy and numeracy.
Thin Booklets
Low cost, low carbon,
low psychological burden
Free EdTech Tools & App
Supplements & provides learning on devices at home & school
Learning Materials
Locally available, sustainable,
reusable, hands-on
Teacher Training
Highly participatory, Online/Offline,
interactive & impactful
Teacher Handbook
Simple, visual instructions
& video repository
Assessments
Scanning app enables instant analysis and reports
Prof. Reimers & Team at Harvard GSE, USA, 2023
ALfA RCT Results Published In "Rebuilding Education Systems After the Covid-19 Pandemic"
The effect size of the project was 0.23 for Grade 3 students and 0.89 for Grade 5… the results suggest there is significant value in pursuing the ALFA model in other schools if implemented in a coherent, structured, and coordinated manner.
Chapter 8 of the book discusses the RCT of ALfA in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, India, which led to results as shown on the right after just 40 days of implementation as cited in the book.
These encouraging results led to the program's expansion to 41% of Shamli's schools. Shamli rose from being a Low-Performing District of India to Rank 18 of 75 in Uttar Pradesh in the governments own FLN test.
ALfA: Comparison with Structured Pedagogy & TaRL
"One of the challenges facing many teachers is the extreme diversity of learning levels. Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) solves this problem by grouping students by ability, whereas ALfA transforms the mixed learning levels from a challenge to a strength through paired learning.
While ALfA is newer and still emerging compared to established programs such as TaRL and Structured Pedagogy, its ability to deliver swift learning gains positions it as a promising strategy for achieving universal literacy and numeracy."
- Aïcha Bah Diallo Former Minister of Education, Guinea
- Source: Copenhagen Consensus, 2023. Halftime to SDGs Best Investment Paper: Education.
- Source: Weighted average from implementations. $4 per child, effect size of 0.48 (HGSE and others).
Table: Comparison of popular, evidence-based FLN pedagogies
| Feature | Structured Pedagogy | TaRL | ALfA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Approach | Standardized lesson plans and scripted teaching. | Grouping students by ability level and targeting instruction accordingly. | A process-led structure that scaffolds learning through paired activities. |
| Holistic & Social Development | Focused primarily on academic content delivery rather than holistic development. | Ability-based grouping can unintentionally lead to a fixed mindset, and may become socially divisive. | Develops 21st-century skills such as collaboration, citizenship, equity & inclusion through random paired learning. |
| Speed & Efficacy | Effect Size: 0.13 (Generally 3-year implementations) | Effect Sizes: 0.08-0.7 (50 days, combination of studies 2005-2014) | Effect Sizes: 0.23-0.89 (India, Maldives: 45 days, 2022-23) |
| Cost | $8 per child Detailed scripting and material requirements. | $20-$27 per child Resources vary by implementation. More significant training required. | $4 per child Includes staff & implementation costs. Leverages local resources. |
“All students should be able to learn to read quickly to maximize their academic
potential and ALfA does that.”
Jon Corippo
Founder of EduProtocols, USA
"This book provides unique ideas about creating a pedagogy of possibility. It will help
create the conditions for a better world.”
Sigamoney Naicker
Professor, University of the Western Cape
“A much-needed manifesto for achieving large scale transformation of the global literacy
crisis.”
Ernesto Schiefelbein
Former Minister of Education, Chile
"A must read for policymakers and all those associated with the campaign against
illiteracy."
Anil Swarup
Former Secretary of Education, India
Advisory Committee
- Dr Phalthy Hap Vice Rector, Royal University of Law, Cambodia
- Justice Karybek Astanbekovich Duisheev Vice-Chairman Constitutional Court, Krygyz Republic
- Rana Dajani President, We Love Reading, Jordan
- Ravi Sreedharan Founder & President, Indian School of Development Management, India
- Robert Thorn Director, Developing Real Learners, Turkey
- Inger-Mette Stenseth Founder, World Climate School, Norway
- Sigbjorn Dugal Founder, Pickatale, Norway
- Nicolas Gravel Professor of Economics, Aix-Marseille University, France
- Richard Nilsson President, Adventure of Humanity, Sweden/France
- David Bovill Partnerships Manager, DEIP, UK
- Girish Menon CEO, STIR Education, UK
- Pakalitha Bethwel Mosisilil Director (Honoris Causa), Hungary
- Jutice Dr Francesco Buffa Judge Supreme Court, Italy
- Aïcha Bah Diallo Founding Member of FAWE, Guinea
- Peter Kwasi Kodjie Secretary-General All Africa Student's Union, Ghana
- Jean Henry Ceani Assistant Prime Minister, Lesotho
- Samuel Sasu Adonteng Programme Officer, All Africa Students Union, Ghana
- Rebecca Doreen Founding Director, Vadiwa Trust Organization, Zimbabwe
- Sigamoney Naicker Professor, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
- Mumba Malila Chief Justice of Zambia
- Justice Luke Malaba Chief Justice of Zimbabwe
- Diallo Mumadou Bathia President, Council Mauritania
- Justice Andre Safela Leno President Third Civil Commercial and Social Chamber Supreme Court Guinea
- Justice Joseph Aseh Malegho Secretary General Constitutional Council, Cameroon
- Zahiri Ziki Sebastien Magistrate, Cote D'Ivoire
- Justice Khamis Ramadhani Chief Justice High Court of Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Justice Afiavi Solange Mehou Judge High Court of Justice, Benin
- Hassane Diallo Secretary, General Court, Guinee
- Charles Dery Tenagh Director, Ghana
- Anothony Agyekum Aide to the Speaker Parliament, Ghana
- Frederick William De-clerk Aide To The Speaker Parliament, Ghana
- Mohammed Suleiman Qmar Personal Assistant Chief Justice of Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Simon Tewnkuu Add De Camp To Speaker, Ghana
- Sahari Suleiman Mwinyi Security Officer for The Chief Justice Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Justice Hortense Ubisse Presiding Judge Namaacha, Mozambique
- James Magagula Assistant Suprintendent To Chief Justice, Eswatini
- Justice Prof Aaron Logmo Mbelek Judge Consitutional Council, Cameroon
- Felix Sabi-kanni N Pocha Chief - Staff High Court, Benin
- Alesha Anderson Senior Program Officer at Pro-Literacy Worldwide, USA
- Alexandre Romanovsky Advisor to Companies Dedicated to the United Nations, USA
- Bill Graham Vice Chair, NGO Committee for Education, Learning & Literacy at the United Nations in New York, USA
- Cindy Charles Kupanda Sisters Inc. Founder & CEO, Guyana
- David J. Rosen Director, Adult Literacy Resource Institute, UMass, USA
- Fred Mednick Founder, Teacher Without Borders, USA
- Gail Davvis-Carter UN ECOSOC Representative, UN Partner, USA
- Joanne Telser-Frere Director, Program Development, USA
- Jon M Corippo Author, Eduprotocols, USA
- Kyle Zimmer Author, Eduprotocols, USA
- Mary McCool Berry Founder, Read Keys, USA
- Michael Matos Education Technology Director, ScaleLIT, USA
- Peter Campling Global Programmes Director, USA
- Richard Allen Director of Partnerships, VOYCE, USA
- Stephen Peters President, The Peters Group, USA
- Rodney Williams Govener General , Antigua & Barbuda
- Justice Beatriz Paniague Castro National Chief Prosecutor, Costa Rica
- Justice Christain Corrales Lugo Judge Posocis Criminal Court of Justice, Costa Rica
- Ernesto Schiefelbein Chilean Pedagogue, Professor, Economist & Politician, Chile
- Sylvia Guimarães Co-founder & President, Vaga Lume, Brazil
- Vicky Colbert Founder & Director, Fundación Escuela Nueva, Colombia
- Justice Maria Fennanda Gallardo Munoz Jueze De Garantias Penales, Ecuador
- Ana Maria Teofila Cubas Longe Former Senior Persecutor San Juan De Lurigancho, Peru
- Mirtha Chenguayen Guevera Provincial Prosecutor Criminal 3rd Office 7th Corporate Lima Center, Peru
- Carmen Luz Cruz Galvez Symtems Analyst National Tax Superintendence, Peru
- Justice Priscilla Chandra Hanif Judge Supreme Court, Guyana
Register your interest to collaborate
This conference is more than a dialogue; it is a global call to action for swift, replicable, impactful, equitable, inclusive, cost-effective and scalable solutions that empower learners and transform education systems.
Education leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners are invited to join this transformative initiative. Together, we can create a global movement to accelerate foundational learning, achieve SDG 4, and fast-forward a quality education for all.
