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By Paul Abok, Program Officer, Advocacy and Communications
From 8th to 11th April 2025, the PAL Network family converged for the 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM). This gathering marked not only another AGM, but a significant strategic juncture, marked by the ratification of the PAL Network’s new 2025–2030 strategy. Members also engaged in deep, forward-looking conversations that will shape the Network’s trajectory in Research and Gender perspectives.
The formal proceedings begun with a reflection on key milestones and accomplishments in 2024. This retrospective journey included a review of major achievements, followed with financial updates detailing grant income and expenditure. Among the year’s notable successes included the development of the 2025–2030 Strategy, the completion of final data collection for the PAL-ELANA (Early Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment), and impactful research partnerships with the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre and Youth Impact. These collaborations focused on cost-effectiveness analysis and A/B testing of the “My Village” project—an ambitious intervention aimed at helping at least one million children gain foundational reading and math skills. The Network also celebrated the advocacy efforts for the retention of SDG 4.1.1a as a critical global measure of foundational learning.
PAL Network 2025–2030 Strategy
At the heart of the AGM was the ratification of the PAL Network 2025–2030 Strategy—a six-year roadmap structured around four interconnected focus areas:
- Assessment: Generate robust evidence on children’s foundational learning outcomes through simple, one-on-one assessments conducted in children’s homes.
- Action: Implement evidence-informed actions to improve children’s foundational learning, working in partnership with governments and civil society.
- Research: Generate new insights to better understand children’s learning progress using data from our assessment and action programmes; and
- Communications and Advocacy: Use evidence from our assessment and action programmes to advocate for equitable, inclusive, and quality education to ensure all children acquire the basics.
Together, these focus areas support the Network’s long-term vision: a world where all children have a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Embedded within these strategic reflections was a critical focus on gender. Network’s gender posture, articulated guiding principles, and explored what a shared gender identity might look like. Discussions began broadly, then deepened through regional reflections, with member organisations sharing country-specific gender related challenges and progress. The groups also examined gender-conscious practices within citizen-led assessments and explored how these can be strengthened and scaled. Additionally, members engaged in shaping the Network’s evolving research agenda, including its complementary large-scale assessment modules focused on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Education in Emergencies (EiE), and Children with Special Needs.
10 years of citizen-led impact
The new strategy launches during a momentous year—PAL Network’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade of citizen-led impact. In recognition of this milestone, members also discussed the upcoming release of the ICAN and ICAR large-scale assessment results, scheduled for later this year. During the AGM, members recorded their reflections on the Network’s journey, which will be featured in a special commemorative series. To further celebrate, the Network is preparing to launch a podcast series featuring member voices and stories, as well as a landmark documentary capturing the PAL Network’s evolution and impact.
Looking ahead, the Network is already translating strategy into action. A forward-looking workshop brought together four member organisations—Uwezo Uganda, Uwezo Tanzania, ASER Nepal, and IID Bangladesh—to co-design advocacy-driven policy dialogues based on findings from the ICAN and ICAR assessments and earlier citizen-led data. These efforts aim to influence policy reforms by engaging governments and decision-makers in crafting evidence-based, locally relevant education interventions that improve foundational learning outcomes.
We are PALs
Amid all the important dialogue, the AGM was also a celebration of community and connection. Members bonded over games and a shared dinner at Nairobi’s Prestige Plaza. For some, it was their first opportunity to experience Nairobi National Park, where an early morning game drive brought sightings of giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and crocodiles, all framed by the iconic city skyline. The cultural experience continued at the Maasai Market, where members explored vibrant, handcrafted artifacts—necklaces, shukas, bags, bracelets, and more—each item rich in colour and inspired by Maasai heritage.
These shared experiences were a powerful reminder that beyond strategy and structure, it is the human connection that breathes life into the PAL Network’s mission. As we move into this next chapter, grounded in purpose and partnership, we do so with renewed energy and a collective commitment to ensuring that every child has the foundations to learn and thrive.