Global Education Lab

Working together to enhance children’s opportunities

The Global Education Lab is devoted to addressing educational inequalities worldwide by partnering with a wide range of societal organizations across the globe. Our collaborative efforts are closely aligned with Utrecht University’s Dynamics of Youth strategic theme, allowing us to leverage our resources and expertise to effect positive change in education on a global level.

The Global Education Lab is adhered to promoting education equity worldwide through two main strands of activity. Firstly, we facilitate Global Learning Communities, where partners from different sectors can exchange experiences and insights to enhance their efforts towards this shared goal. Secondly, we collaborate with NGOs and governments on field experiments in schools in low and middle-income countries, with a focus on improving learning outcomes and developmental opportunities for children facing the greatest disadvantages.

Highlights

Working together to enhance children’s opportunities
The Global Learning Community (GLC) is founded on the belief that collaboration can amplify our collective impact in education. Its mission is to connect education professionals from around the world who are interested in effective approaches to integrating whole child development into schools and school systems through pedagogy. With over 60 education organizations represented, the GLC provides a platform for learning and sharing among its members. UGlobe is proud to facilitate the Global Learning Community (GLC) on Whole Child Development. Read more about Whole Child Development
Springboard for School Readiness program
The Global Education Lab is actively partnering on experimental evaluations (RCTs) with governments and organizations in Bulgaria, the Gambia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda to enhance education opportunities for vulnerable children. One example is the longer-term follow-up of the Springboard for School Readiness (SSR) program, which supported disadvantaged children, Roma children especially, attend kindergarten. Findings from an experimental evaluation of the SSR program, led by Utrecht University Professor Joost de Laat in collaboration with researchers in France and the United States, supported the decision by Bulgaria’s national parliament to adopt a new law to remove parent financial contributions for kindergarten: one of the key barriers identified by the research. Read more about the study ‘Building Evidence for Preschool Policy Change in Bulgaria’