On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, the KIX research project Scaling Impact of a Play-Based Child-to-Child Approach to Make Pre-School to Primary School Transition Fun and Inclusion (SIPCA) held its launch ceremony. This research project is funded by GPE KIX, a joint initiative of GPE and IDRC, Canada. SIPCA is a joint venture between the Islamic University of Maldives, Aga Khan University, and the University of Colombo. The project is led by Dr. Mariyam Shareefa and coordinated by Dr. Visal Moosa (KIX EMAP Maldives National Coordinator), both from the Islamic University of Maldives.
This research project aims to enhance school readiness and smooth transition to early primary grades by using the child-to-child approach, and to build evidence on how to scale its impact in different cultural contexts. The project focuses on children who are at risk due to special learning needs, socio-economic factors, or other factors that limit their preparedness for primary school. It seeks to develop a training package with teaching and learning tools and implementation guidelines that are contextually valid and relevant for scaling impact, with the ultimate aim of supporting inclusive play-based practices in preschools and building foundational skills and school readiness among children.
Watch the launch ceremony:
