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Benjamin Piper

@benlpiper.bsky.social
1.3K followers 435 following 89 posts

Director, Global Education Gates Foundation www.gatesfoundation.org/about/leade…

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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Interesting results on AI in the classroom from @economist.com, highlighting a core truth in global education: learning requires effort. #AI #FoundationalLearning www.economist.com/graphic-deta...
economist.com
Does AI stop children from learning?
New data show the peril and promise of the technology
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The full potential of AI will only be realized if it is accessible to everyone. That's why I'm encouraged to see so many organizations join the Gates Foundation in committing to a shared five-year goal to expand #AI access in the languages people speak. www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-...
gatesfoundation.org
Global organizations announce five-year goal to help more than 3 billion people use AI in their own language and voice
60 initial signatories – frontier AI labs, researchers, companies, governments, community organizations, and philanthropic organizations – will bring expertise and resources to the effort and invite o...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Next week, I’ll be in New York for #UNGA81 to discuss one of the most important and solvable challenges facing the world today: ensuring every child develops foundational reading and numeracy skills. If you'll be there, let's connect.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The latest #OECDPISA results are sobering, but the fix doesn't start in high school. Primary is the critical window for building foundational reading and math skills – waiting until they are 15 is too late. When students master these skills early, they are positioned to succeed in later learning.
oecd.org
PISA 2025 Results (Volume I)
The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 evaluates what students know and can do in science, reading, mathematics and computational problem-solving, assessing how effectivel...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The expertise to better measure learning outcomes already exists across Africa. Excited to see the launch of AFLAI, which empowers governments by strengthening their internal capacity to generate, evaluate and use learning data by connecting them with African technical expertise. Learn more:
aflai.org
AFLAI – Africa Foundational Learning Assessment Initiative
AFLAI helps governments understand whether children are learning foundational literacy and numeracy — and build the internal capacity to use that data to improve outcomes.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
This #InternationalLiteracyDay, I'm excited that the Gates Foundation has pledged $50 million commitment to support and accelerate better foundational learning outcomes in Africa as part of the Global Partnership for Education Multiply Possibility campaign. Learn more:
globalpartnership.org
Gates Foundation pledges $50 million to support foundational learning outcomes in Africa | Global Partnership for Education
On International Literacy Day, the Gates Foundation pledges $50 million to support foundational learning outcomes in Africa and support GPE partner countries in sub-Saharan Africa to improve foundatio...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
More than half of the world's 1.3 billion youth currently live in low- and lower-middle-income countries. By 2050, 1 in 3 young people will reside or be from sub-Saharan Africa. I wrote about how we can turn a global demographic shift into global prosperity: www.linkedin.com/pulse/our-sh...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Reports like these are critical because they help us understand how AI is being used in real environments, not just ideal conditions. Curious to hear your thoughts—let me know what you thought. aiandeducation.mit.edu/report/
aiandeducation.mit.edu
Report – AI and Education
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Learning is as much about social practice as it is about content—how we communicate, collaborate, ask for help. Those interpersonal skills are as foundational to a child’s development as basic literacy and numeracy, and AI must scaffold, not replace, this in-person social learning.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Whether you’re studying calculus or basic numeracy, learning requires mental energy and actual work. We must develop AI tools for students that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking rather than simply providing answers.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
There is a disparity between those who can afford AI and those who can’t. To make AI an equitable resource for all, we need to develop programs for local contexts using methods that can be scaled to the typical rural school in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A new report from @mit.edu on how #AI is being used at the university is a must-read for anyone working in our sector. While it focuses on higher ed, below are a few of my takeaways for global #education. aiandeducation.mit.edu/report/
aiandeducation.mit.edu
Report – AI and Education
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Aid is shrinking, but tightening budgets bring clarity: sustainable government implementation must be our ultimate goal. Check out this UNESCO GEM report and tell me in the comments what surprised you (or didn’t surprise you) about the findings. www.unesco.org/gem-report/e...
unesco.org
Counting the loss
Aid to education in 2024 and 2025
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
There’s no single template for solving Africa’s learning challenges. But as #FLEX2026 demonstrated, the continent is already testing, proving and living an exciting set of solutions. Read more about the critical discussions we had at FLEX: #FoundationalLearning www.talkafrica.co.ke/proven-solut...
talkafrica.co.ke
Proven Solutions, Stalled Systems: Can Africa Deliver on Foundational Learning?
By Halima Gongo Lilongwe, Malawi: The first thing you notice when you enter Kakule Community Primary School in Lilongwe, Malawi, is the energy of the
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
What counts as robust evidence for #AI in education? It depends on where a product is in its development lifecycle. This new Global Coalition for Foundational Learning blog outlines a four-level evaluation framework for AI in education. www.globalpartnership.org/blog/getting... #EducationData #AI
globalpartnership.org
Getting the evidence right: What quality looks like for AI in education | Global Partnership for Education
What counts as quality evidence when the development of artificial intelligence moves faster than the trials can measure it? Discover why rigorous studies alone aren't enough and what the sector needs...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
1 in 4 sub-Saharan school children is older than expected for their grade, according to new data from @unicef.org MICS6. We must adapt teaching to meet students where they are, not where they are expected to be. Explore the data story below: public.flourish.studio/story/3677216/
public.flourish.studio
Getting children into school is not enough
A Flourish story by UNICEF OSE D&A Education
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
New research from @brookings.edu reveals a blind spot in edtech: the total, long-term cost of ownership is often 3-7x higher than initial upfront costs. Insightful data in this report, highlighting the factors influencing how governments adopt and scale edtech. www.brookings.edu/articles/sca...
brookings.edu
From access to impact | Brookings
Molly Curtiss Wyss and Brad Olsen analyze government decisionmaking on EdTech in South and Southeast Asia and offer recommendations for scaling impact.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Foundational learning is about more than just getting children into classrooms, but making sure they’re actually learning. New research from @hpatrinos.bsky.social and George Psacharopoulos provides proof that learning quality matters over quantity. harryapatrinos.substack.com/p/learning-p...
harryapatrinos.substack.com
Learning Pays More Than Schooling
For decades, the economics of education has delivered a remarkably consistent finding: more education leads to higher earnings.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
This recent piece in @theatlantic.com on educational chatbots drives home an essential lesson for #EdTech: the power of #AI is promising, but not promised. Strong teachers who can motivate students are irreplaceable, and investing in their success is key. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
theatlantic.com
AI Can’t Fix the Student-Motivation Problem
It turns out bots aren’t great teachers.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
If we are serious about preparing Africa's youth for an AI-driven economy, we must have a conversation about language. Mamadou Amadou Ly and I write about how we can adapt Senegal’s success with #bilingualeducation to the rest of the continent. afrimag.net/tribune-expl...
afrimag.net
Tribune | : Exploiter l’atout linguistique de l'Afrique pour accélérer son développement économique à l'ère de l'IA [Par Ben Piper (Fondation Gates) et Mamadou Amadou Ly (ARED]
L'intelligence artificielle a le potentiel de transformer l'avenir économique de l'Afrique, mais un obstacle subsiste : cette technologie reste largement inexploitée dans les langues les plus parlées ...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Excited to share that FLIGHT was officially launched at #FLEX2026 — a powerful step toward building durable, government-led foundational learning reform at scale. FLIGHT empowers governments with catalytic funding, helping them unlock the bottlenecks that slow progress. Learn more: flightafrica.org
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Next week, I’ll be in Malawi for the third Africa Foundational Learning Exchange #AFRICAFLEX2026. We're focused on continuing the momentum from political declarations to country-led implementation. Looking forward to the conversations ahead—let's connect if you'll be there.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We can't improve learning in the dark. The World Bank’s latest GEPD report connects classroom practices, policies, and the system to guide real solutions. Read it here: openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/pub... #FoundationalLearning
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Foundational learning is a moral imperative. But it is also the invisible infrastructure that underpins a country’s economic growth and prosperity. This article highlights why foundational learning is a national economic priority for India: thecsruniverse.com/articles/ind...
thecsruniverse.com
India's Most Important Infrastructure Isn't Physical: Why Foundational Learning Will Shape the Next Growth Story
Explore why Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is critical to India's workforce, productivity, employability and long-term economic growth
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I’m heading to Dakar next week for the inaugural Yidan Prize Conference in Africa. I’m looking forward to connecting with colleagues from across the sector about a foundational truth: to unlock Africa’s demographic dividend, we must start with language. If you'll be there, let's connect!
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The #WorldCup is a showcase of talent and human potential, and it’s powerful to also see footballing countries on the global stage that are also making #foundationalearning a national priority — like Morocco, co-host of the next World Cup. Check out this case story: www.worldbank.org/en/news/feat...
worldbank.org
Morocco’s Pioneer Schools: Advancing Improved Student Learning
Morocco has taken decisive action steps to improve its education system and better prepare its future generations. Guided by the Strategic Vision for Reform 2015–2030, the country is undertaking a far...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Today is International #DayoftheAfricanChild, and I’m reflecting on the reality that the workforce of tomorrow is sitting in African classrooms today. I am encouraged by the powerful progress we’re seeing. Together, we can ensure every child has the foundation to thrive.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
We’re eager to see how AI can move the needle for education reform. But it’s not a silver bullet. This @gpforeducation.bsky.social provides an important roadmap for implementing AI in global education: www.globalpartnership.org/blog/edtech-...
globalpartnership.org
EdTech and AI: an opportunity to accelerate foundational learning for all children - if we get it right | Global Partnership for Education
What if the right use of AI could finally unlock learning for every child? Discover how smart, safe, and equitable EdTech choices can transform education systems—and why the decisions made today matte...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Not all evidence is measured equally. An insightful new paper from @cgdev.org on how standard deviations can distort learning gains, and how we can make #education data more actionable. www.cgdev.org/blog/standar...
cgdev.org
A Standard Deviation of What? Rethinking How We Report Learning Gains
As education measurement becomes more fragmented, the temptation to rely on single summary metrics will only grow. But the field should move in the opposite direction: toward more transparency, more c...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Exciting to see the launch of STEP-AI, a new partnership between the Gates Foundation and @renphil21.bsky.social to explore how AI-enabled coaching can support teachers across Sub-Saharan Africa and improve #FoundationalLearning outcomes. Learn more: www.renaissancephilanthropy.org/insights/ren...
renaissancephilanthropy.org
Renaissance Philanthropy Launches STEP-AI To Explore AI-Enabled Teacher Coaching In Sub-Saharan Africa — Renaissance Philanthropy – A brighter future for all through science, technology, and innovatio...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Governments across SSA and India are proving that system-led gains in FLN are possible at scale. Read our new co-authored piece with the Global Coalition on Foundational Learning on how political ownership, instructional core, and classroom data drive these results: bit.ly/4utv2m1
bit.ly
Governments are solving the learning challenge: Here is what we are learning from them | Global Partnership for Education
Governments worldwide are increasingly achieving large-scale gains in foundational literacy and numeracy through sustained, system-led reforms. While approaches vary, some shared ingredients underpin ...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Making AI an effective tool for teaching and learning requires shared infrastructure and our new partnership with Anthropic will build just that. Our work with the Turn.io accelerator is a first step to support learners and educators via WhatsApp. #EdTech Read more: bit.ly/4dLHiIr
bit.ly
Making AI work for more people
A new partnership with Anthropic to build AI tools in global health, education and agriculture.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Looking forward to the #EWF & #GlobalPartnershipsConference in London this week. My focus is on how cross-sector collaboration—connecting education with health and tech—can drive economic development. It all starts with foundational learning. Eager to connect with partners!
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
The latest #FLANA report makes the economic case for education equity clear. When a child's chance to learn is tied to family resources, we lose out on human potential. Closing the gap isn't just the right thing to do it's an investment in our future. Read more: bit.ly/4n4i2jJ #FoundationalLearning
bit.ly
The FLANA Report 2026 - Usawa Agenda
2nd Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Report | 2026
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
To improve learning outcomes, we must understand the intersection of education and gender. The #BrinkFoundation’s Gender and Learning Evidence Fund is seeking researchers and implementers in Africa to help build the evidence and measurement to close the gap. Apply by June 5th: bit.ly/4w8D5WI
bit.ly
Our call of proposals for the Gender and Learning Evidence Fund is now open - apply by 5th June 2026. - Brink Foundation
Foundational learning changes lives. A one standard deviation improvement in literacy can raise individual earnings by 25-30%.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
To achieve lasting change, education reforms must move from a series of standalone solutions to a coherent, system-wide strategy. Great reflection on the #FoundationalLearning strategy underway in South Africa's Western Cape: mg.co.za/thought-lead... #GlobalEducation
mg.co.za
From commitment to coherence: Reflections on the Western Cape’s reading and literacy strategy
At the launch of the Reading and Literacy Strategy 2026–30, reading was framed as fundamental to the entire schooling experience. The notion that reading is the air that we breathe captures this succi...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Read more about the Catch-Up Programme and foundational learning here: bit.ly/3Qzaqtv
bit.ly
Zambian parliament publishes report of inquiry into foundational learning — International Parliamentary Network for Education
A first-of-its-kind parliamentary inquiry into foundational learning has published its report in Zambia. The Committee’s report calls on the government to accelerate the implementation of evidence-...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
The inaugural report on #FoundationalLearning from the Zambian Parliament’s Committee on Education, Science, and Technology is a powerful commitment to accountability — and helps builds the political will needed to turn evidence and strategy into action.
ipned.org
Zambian parliament publishes report of inquiry into foundational learning — International Parliamentary Network for Education
A first-of-its-kind parliamentary inquiry into foundational learning has published its report in Zambia. The Committee’s report calls on the government to accelerate the implementation of evidence-...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Sustainable change rarely happens overnight — more often it is the product of steady perseverance. We can learn from the reform journey in Brazil’s education system in this video from Global Schools Forum. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn3F... #EducationReform
youtube.com
Brazil's bold bet: A national curriculum for every child
YouTube video by Global Schools Forum
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Great to see @wwhglobaled.bsky.social research cited in a recent @science.org article. While investing in foundational learning is one of the most powerful engines for global prosperity, this potential is at odds with spending patterns. Read more: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... #GlobalEducation
science.org
The great education contradiction
Education is a universal public good that can shape individual lives and societies as a whole. It underpins income, health, productivity, equality, social cohesion, and the capacity to adapt and remai...
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Reposted by Benjamin Piper
Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) @geeap.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Missed it? 📢 On @voxdev.bsky.social Talks, @talknormal.co.uk & @geeap.bsky.social panelist @benlpiper.bsky.social discuss how to solve the global reading crisis - and what evidence-based instruction can achieve. 🎧 voxdev.org/topic/educat... Read the GEEAP-endorsed literacy report: bit.ly/4pVfIw9
voxdev.org
How to solve the global reading crisis
Millions of children in low- and middle-income countries attend school without learning to read, with ineffective teaching methods driving a global learning crisis. New global evidence demonstrates th...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
The insight note makes the choice clear for governments: put core literacy and numeracy at the center of education plans and budgets, and the payoff is huge for young people, economies, and societies. Read more: www.wwhge.org/resources/ac...
wwhge.org
Achieving universal foundational learning could increase global GDP by $196 trillion over 20 years - What Works Hub for Global Education
This study models the global impacts of universal foundational learning on economic growth, education, employment, health & gender equality.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
This #IDE2026, a new insight note from Mettalytics, @wwhglobaled.bsky.social & the Gates Foundation shows what’s at stake: if 90% of children could read by age 10, universal #FoundationalLearning could add an estimated $196T to global GDP between 2031–2050. That’s trillions, not billions.
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Reposted by Benjamin Piper
Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) @geeap.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
📢 New 🎙️ @benlpiper.bsky.social, @geeap.bsky.social panellist - explains why ineffective reading instruction is at the heart of the learning crisis, & how evidence-based approaches can transform outcomes @voxdev.bsky.social on the global reading crisis 🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/3YELmC4
bit.ly
How to solve the global reading crisis
Millions of children in low- and middle-income countries attend school without learning to read, with ineffective teaching methods driving a global learning crisis. New global evidence demonstrates th...
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Reposted by Benjamin Piper
VoxDev @voxdev.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
🆕 How to solve the global reading crisis 📢 Today on #VoxDevTalks, @benlpiper.bsky.social (Gates Foundation) discusses how effective reading instruction can transform learning outcomes in developing countries: voxdev.org/topic/educat...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Today, ADQ and the Gates Foundation launched a new US$40M partnership to advance responsible #AI & #EdTech for #FoundationalLearning. Learn more: www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-...
gatesfoundation.org
ADQ and Gates Foundation Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Leverage Responsible AI and EdTech to Transform Foundational Learning Outcomes
A landmark partnership will deploy responsible AI and proven EdTech solutions to help strengthen early-grade literacy and numeracy across sub-Saharan Africa.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Huge congrats to Mamadou Amadou Ly on the 2025 Yidan Prize for Education Development — powerful recognition of his leadership advancing equitable education across West Africa. His work shows how mother-tongue instruction can drive learning outcomes for children globally.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
It was great to talk with Ecofin Agency at the #ADEATriennale2025. Read to learn more about how countries are making real progress through political commitment, domestic budget allocation, and clear learning targets: www.ecofinagency.com/insights/191...
ecofinagency.com
“Build the basement first': Gates Foundation's Benjamin Piper on solving Africa's learning poverty by 2035
As African governments confront declining donor funding and a persistent learning crisis, the Gates Foundation has made foundational learning its top education priority. Benjamin Piper, Director of Gl...
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
When the new evidence on reading from diverse contexts points in the same direction, we should pay attention. The new GEEAP report synthesizes ~150 studies on effective reading instruction from LMICs covering 165+ languages. Join the launch webinar on Dec 4 at 9am ET bit.ly/3Khlhp8
bit.ly
Join this Webex Webinar now
Simple, modern video meetings for everyone on the world's most popular and trusted collaboration platform.
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Benjamin Piper @benlpiper.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Historic news from #G20SouthAfrica: #IBSALeaders (India, Brazil, South Africa) commit to establish the IBSA Network for Quality #FoundationalLearning – centering learning outcomes for every child. Excited to see momentum grow under SA’s IBSA Presidency next year. acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:...
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