The ICAN-ICAR_ICASEL tool pre-pilot assessment is today convening with enumerators for a Desk Recheck of the data collected and also having reflections through focused group discussions to understand-the contextual relevance of tools, assessment processes and learn what areas to improve before the large-scale rollout.
Today, all teams in Isingiro and Yumbe district are in the field for #Day1 of the pre-pilot to assess children aged 5-16 in Reading, Numeracy and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in both the Emergency and Non-Emergency (refugee) settings. These children are being found at home.
Day 2/3 of the pre-pilot for ICAN-ICAR-ICASEL training is continuing today at two district sites of Isingiro (@YfcUganda) and Yumbe (@CCEDUC1). This is still in-keeping with the mission of the pre-pilot exercise being-to test the feasibility of integrating Reading , Numeracy and SEL assessment especially in both the Emergency and Non-Emergency Settings.
We have the data. We have evidence. We know what works.
But millions of #children are still waiting.
The PAL Network’s 2025 Annual Report is a reminder that progress is possible—but not inevitable.
Read and share: https://t.co/vJGMcnlPFx
It is a new day (30th March) at the #CIES2026 conference in San Francisco! Many thanks to everyone who has participated in sessions at which our colleagues and counterparts have presented in the previous two days. @alive_programme@ReliAfrica@palnetworkHQ@DreamADreamInd@EducateOrg@RESCUEorg.
Looking forward to seeing you at today's sessions, such as PAL Network presentation on 'Measuring Progress in Foundational Learning using the International Common Assessment of Numeracy / Reading (ICAN-ICAR) tool at 9:45-11:00am, Hilton, Ballroom Level - Tower 3, Continental 2.
📢 We’re Hiring!
PAL Network is excited to announce two new opportunities to join our global team committed to improving learning for all children.
We are recruiting for:
🔹 Program Manager, Advocacy
🔹 Communication & Visibility Consultant
If you are passionate about evidence-driven advocacy, storytelling, and advancing holistic learning across the Global South, we’d love to hear from you.
Learn more & apply:
👉 Program Manager, Advocacy: https://t.co/h2DIiHiyKR
👉 Communication & Visibility Consultant: https://t.co/ksRWJm8RhR
📅 Applications open now. Please share widely within your networks!
Day 1 at the #PALEvidenceForActionForum was a powerful start to our South–South Learning Exchange.
From deep discussions on citizen-generated data to unpacking early insights from the# ICANICARReport, day 1 brought together voices from across countries, sectors, and communities, all focused on strengthening foundational learning.
We explored what two decades of citizen-led assessments have taught us, celebrated a powerful report launch, and reflected on the gaps that still need action.
Here’s a look at some of the moments that shaped Day 1.
#PALEvidenceForActionForum2025 #EvidenceForAction #ICANICARReport #PALNetwork #FoundationalLearning #LearningForAll
The context of learning including learning resources are key to enabling learning happen. We should’nt rest and have a job to do as it’s never too late to do something @UwezoUganda, @palnetworkHQ Uwezo Uganda’s takeaways from the #ICANICAR2025 report
A proud moment for the #PALNetwork community!
Today, we officially unveiled the #ICANICARReport, marking a major milestone in advancing foundational learning through rigorous, household-based assessments.
This ribbon-cutting moment symbolizes years of collaboration, innovation, and the collective effort to ensure every child is counted and every child’s learning matters.
Download the #ICANICAR2025 report here: https://t.co/mekWPFrY0O
#PALEvidenceForActionForum #ICANICAR #EvidenceForAction2025 #FoundationalLearning
We're Live in Nairobi for the #ICANICARReport launch. The #EvidenceForActionForum brings together global voices to share learnings, innovations, and practical approaches that improve foundational learning outcomes.
Follow the LIVE proceedings here: https://t.co/PqpVeKihw3
Download the full #ICANICAR2025 report here: https://t.co/mekWPFrY0O
#PALEvidenceForActionForum2025 #ICANICAR #PALNetwork
Join our distinguished panel for an in-depth conversation on the evidence shaping #education:
Panelists:
Syeed Ahamed • Anabel Velasquez • Mary Goretti Nakabugo • Rokhaya Cissé
Moderator:
Armando Ali
This session will explore actionable insights from the #ICANICAR2025 Report and highlight promising approaches emerging across the Global South.
#PALEvidenceForActionForum2025 #ICANICARReport #EvidenceForAction #GlobalSouthLearning #FoundationalLearning #PALNetwork
📢Share your perspective!
Mokoro & Oxford MeasurEd, for @FCDOGovUK, are running a global survey on data for #FoundationalLearning.
👉 Take the survey: https://t.co/pq12ojTGMB
#SDG4
📊 6 in 10 children can’t read or do basic math (UNESCO, 2025).
Addressing this starts with measurement. With 10 yrs of CLA, PAL Network’s citizen-led ICAN-ICAR delivers comparable data across 12 countries.
First global report: 25–26 Nov 2025. #FLN#CLA#SDG4
Education data shouldn't just come from the top—it must start with the people.
In this blog, @ArmandoAli10, CEO of @palnetworkHQ, reflects on the recent Project Management Team (PMT) training held in Kajiado, Kenya. An event that marked the beginning of a historic milestone for the network: the 2025 ICAN-ICAR Large-Scale Assessment. This citizen-led initiative will measure foundational learning across 12 countries in the Global South.
Why does this matter?
The assessment will mobilise over 6,000 volunteers, reach 59,000 households, and assess nearly 89,870 children, ensuring every voice is counted and represented.
The ICAN-ICAR tools, validated by the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, position citizen-generated data to report on SDG 4.1.1a, while championing quality, equity, and evidence-driven action.
Read the full blog here: https://t.co/eEd01eP9PR
@FCDOGovUK,@EchidnaGiving, @gatesfoundation, Hempel Foundation, @porticusglobal, @EduCannotWait, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, @IDRC_CRDI.
@asercentre, @iidbd, @AserNepal, @ASERPAKISTAN, @usawaagenda, @UwezoUganda, @UwezoTanzania, @Facilidadeicds, @youthimpactorg, @Lartes_ifan, @beekunko, @TEPCentre, @miasociacionciv, @MedirAprender
We’re hiring: Program Officer – Data Management and Analysis
Are you passionate about turning education data into powerful insights for change? The PAL Network is looking for a data expert to lead multi-country analysis and ensure high standards of data quality, security, and communication across our foundational learning assessments. You’ll work with large-scale datasets, guide research design, and translate complex results into policy-relevant findings. Proficiency in Stata, R or Python is a must.
If you have 3+ years of experience in data analysis, research, or statistics, and want to drive impact in the Global South, this might be the role for you.
Location: Remote or Nairobi
Deadline: 10 July 2025
Apply: [email protected]
Read the full job description here: https://t.co/HLW1iV9H5w
A decade into our journey to transform foundational learning, our Assessments Manager Muhammad Usman shares what makes this work so meaningful.
“What I truly cherish is seeing researchers, policy analysts, and policymakers around the world referencing our work and using our data at major international fora.”
It’s a powerful reminder that citizen-led assessments are not just transforming local communities, they’re shaping global conversations on foundational literacy and numeracy for children aged 4 to 10.
Watch Usman's video on PAL Network's Youtube channel here https://t.co/lqI6EDOh1l
#PALNetworkAt10 #EducationForAll #DataForFoundationalLearning #CitizenLedAssessment
Exciting news! We’ve partnered with the Hempel Foundation to advance foundational learning in the Global South. Together, we’ll generate reliable data across 15 LMICs using ICAN & ICAR tools—empowering countries to track SDG 4.1.1a & shape better education policies #Education4All
Thank you to all participants of the 11th meeting of the Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML) held on 25-26 February at @UNESCO HQ!
The meeting brought together 80+ participants from 36 member states & more than 30 organizations to advance the global learning measurement agenda.
Learn more: https://t.co/e4iu63qnl0
@ArmandoAli10 takes the stage at the 11th Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML) meeting to present ICAN and ICARe—tools that generate globally comparable data to support reporting on SDG 4.1.1(a).
In a world where foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) set the stage for lifelong learning, PAL Network is championing citizen-led, large-scale assessments to ensure every child is counted. Through ICAN (International Common Assessment of Numeracy) and ICARe (International Common Assessment of Reading), we are producing globally comparable data that aligns with the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF)and the Minimum Proficiency Levels (MPLs), ensuring that our assessments meet the global reporting requirements outlined in the GAML criteria document (Nov 2024).
Key takeaways:
*Strong alignment of ICAN-ICARe with MPLs and global reporting requirements
* Cost-effective, paper-based tools designed for low-resource settings
* Progress in meeting key global reporting criteria, with ongoing refinements
As we push forward, our focus remains on scaling up assessments, ensuring transparency, and advocating for tailored approachesto reach all children, including those in marginalized communities.
#EducationForAll #SDG411a #DataForFoundationalLearning #GAML2025