Thousands of children in underserved communities are gaining improved access to early childhood education through the PEACE Project (Promoting Early Advancement through Childhood Education), an initiative implemented by Slum2School Africa with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

The programme, which operates across Lagos Mainland, Epe, Badagry and other parts of Lagos State, aims to improve learning outcomes by expanding access to quality early childhood education, strengthening teacher capacity and increasing support for vulnerable children.

As part of the initiative, eight Early Childhood Education centres have been established to provide safe and child-friendly learning environments equipped with age-appropriate educational materials, literacy and numeracy resources and interactive learning tools.

According to the organisers, the centres are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, collaboration and play while helping children develop foundational skills during their formative years.

The project has also provided scholarship support to hundreds of vulnerable children, enabling more families to enrol their children in school despite financial constraints.

Beyond physical classrooms, the initiative uses digital and hybrid learning platforms to reach more than 20,000 learners with educational content aimed at improving literacy, numeracy, creativity and digital skills.

Recognising the importance of teacher quality in early childhood education, the PEACE Project has invested in professional development for more than 650 teachers, school leaders and early childhood education practitioners.

One of its flagship interventions, the Early Childhood Education Accelerator Programme, brought together educators from 111 public schools across Lagos Mainland and Badagry for training on child development, safeguarding, inclusive education, classroom management and play-based learning.

Participants also took part in collaborative workshops, peer-learning sessions and practical exercises designed to help them create engaging classroom activities using locally available materials.

According to the organisers, the programme encourages educators to move beyond traditional teacher-centred methods by creating learning environments where children actively participate through curiosity, collaboration and exploration.

Teachers who participated in the training reported improved learner engagement, stronger classroom relationships and greater confidence in supporting children’s developmental needs.

The initiative also works with a broad network of stakeholders, including the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Local Government Education Authorities, school leaders, civil society organisations and community groups to strengthen early childhood education systems.

According to Slum2School Africa, these partnerships are intended to improve safeguarding, teacher development, inclusive education and long-term sustainability within participating communities.

Reflecting on the training, one participant said it had changed the way educators approach young learners.

“A teacher who is well equipped to handle the needs of young learners would be better able to educate learners not just on school-related topics but also on understanding their emotions and easy ways to regulate their emotions, and this training has opened my eyes on how to engage my learners better.”

According to the organisers, the PEACE Project seeks to ensure that more children begin their education in environments that support learning, confidence-building and healthy development.

The initiative combines teacher development, scholarships, digital learning, community engagement and institutional partnerships to improve access to quality early childhood education in underserved communities.

The PEACE Project is supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and implemented by Slum2School Africa, a non-profit organisation that provides educational opportunities, technology, mentorship and community-based support for underserved children and young people across Africa.