Children on the Edge win iF Design Social Impact Prize

30/8/2022

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded an iF Design Social Impact Prize for our Cluster Learning refugee education programme in Kyaka II refugee settlement, Uganda.

The iF Social Impact Prize 'empowers those who make a difference' and support projects that 'contribute to improving our society'. Every year, iF Design donate EUR 100,000 to projects that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

After submitting details of our Cluster Learning Approach in Uganda in July, we were thrilled to find out this week that a panel of 12 international iF team members decided to select Children on the Edge as one of 12 winners out of a pool of 480 applications from 75 difference countries in this year's Social Impact Prize. We will receive a cash award of 5000 Euros to help us continue our work and support early years education for the youngest Congolese refugee children.

Four young Congolese children are sat looking at a tablet device being held in front of them in their shelter where they are taking part in a cluster learning lesson

Refugee children learning with tablets at a Cluster session in Kyaka II, Uganda. Credit: Theirworld / Maro Mambo Media

The Cluster Learning Approach is a simple, sustainable early education model that places communities at the heart of education provision and removes the need for costly classrooms and staff. By using communal spaces to teach children in small groups, we enable more children living in some of the most marginalised communities to access high quality education at comparatively low cost. This education and support will ensure these children have the best possible start in life and are enabled to thrive.

The iF Jury Panel said:

"This Ugandan program shows a sustainable way for early-years children learning and prepares them for future school life. Local refugees are trained as teachers as well, so that the children can learn in their own dialect. This program is helping both the families and local refugees by establishing complete community ownership, independence and sustainability"

Communications Manager, Esther Smitheram said:

"All of us at Children on the Edge are honoured to be awarded the iF design Social Impact Prize for our Cluster Learning programme in Uganda. As a small charity, it's a huge boost when we receive international recognition for our work supporting some of the world's most marginalised children, living in the toughest situations. Our colleagues in Uganda were incredibly excited and proud to hear the news, declaring 'you have made us shine'. "

The iF Design Social Impact Prize is the latest accolade for Children on the Edge and our Cluster Learning Approach; which won a Theirworld Education Innovation Award in September 2021. This innovative new model is continuing to gain international recognition as it grows to enable more young refugees to access early years education in Kyaka II refugee settlement.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CLUSTER LEARNING >>

A Congolese woman wearing a headscarf and bright clothes is sat outside a mud wattle structure with a group of young Congolese refguee children teaching them about numbers and shapes. The children are sat around her in a circle looking at her and engaging in the lesson taking place.

Cluster learning classes are full of fun. Credit: Theirworld / Maro Mamba Media

Our work with the youngest refugee children in Uganda is kindly supported by the players of People's Postcode Lottery. Here in the Kyaka II refugee settlement, we deliver high-quality, cost-effective Early Childhood Development (ECD) provision, in safe spaces, to thousands of children aged 3-6 years.