LITTLE RIPPLES
A joyful start to learning.
A community-led preschool program that nurtures the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children affected by war and conflict.
DID YOU KNOW?
The earliest years of life shape a child’s future.
The earliest years of life are crucial to children’s social, emotional, and physical development. And yet, less than 2% of international aid is dedicated to early childhood education.
Little Ripples meets the crucial need for play and learning spaces; and is culturally adaptable, low-cost, and, most importantly, led by the community being served.
THE IMPACT
Little Ripples creates safe, nurturing spaces in which young children can learn, play, and build a sense of belonging and security.
Through trauma-informed care, children strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing, confidence, and healthy development.
CHILDREN
Through play-based learning, Little Ripples equips children with communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills, as well as with foundational literacy and numeracy. The program helps prepare children for future education while fostering curiosity, creativity, and empathy.
COMMUNITY
Refugee women are trained as early childhood educators, and offered meaningful leadership and livelihood opportunities within their own communities. By bringing children and families together in inclusive learning environments, the program builds connection, dignity, and hope.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Creating safe and joyful spaces to learn and play.
iACT fills this gap with a play-based preschool program for children ages three to five called Little Ripples. Developed in direct response to challenges that children and adults face in a refugee camp setting, the program was built on the idea that trauma-informed and culturally adaptable early educational programs can be long-sustaining alternatives to traditional, formal education systems, when they are led by the community.
Little Ripples is designed to be community-led, does not require expensive technology, and can be taught by individuals who have had little or no teaching experience.
COMMUNITY-LED BY DESIGN
Local teachers bring the program to life.
Through the Little Ripples trainings, teachers learn the skills necessary to support young learners, and have the opportunity to adapt the curriculum and program to their culture and context.
The ultimate goal is for children to have access to safe and joyful spaces to play, learn, and thrive.
ADAPTABLE BY DESIGN
Learning can happen wherever children are.
As a part of the adaptability of the program, the education centers — called Ponds — can be child-friendly spaces, shelters, schools, community centers, or home spaces.
These Ponds are a source of hope for families, and their positive impacts ripple out into the community.
LOCATIONS:
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Partnership makes the program possible.
