Deadline: 10-Feb-2026

UNICEF invites grant applications to strengthen early childhood education (ECCE) for disadvantaged children in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The initiative focuses on inclusive, quality learning, capacity building for early childhood workers, culturally relevant materials, and home-based and center-based early learning, aiming to reach 35% of children aged 3–4 by 2028.

Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) seeks qualified organizations to expand access to quality, inclusive, and age-appropriate early childhood education in BARMM. The initiative targets disadvantaged and vulnerable children, emphasizing holistic education and resilience, including in emergencies. Implemented in partnership with civil society and non-governmental organizations, the program aligns with national and regional priorities in ECCD.

Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities

Key priorities include:

• Education & Early Childhood Development: Expanding access to age-appropriate learning for children aged 3–4.

• Learning Outcomes: Improving literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional development, and school readiness.

• Inclusive Systems: Ensuring equitable access for marginalized children, including in conflict-affected areas.

• Capacity Development: Training, coaching, and mentoring for Child Development Workers, teachers, and supervisors.

• Culturally Relevant Materials: High-quality learning and play resources tailored to local contexts.

• Home-Based Learning Approaches: Implementing Supervised Neighbourhood Play as a low-cost, community-based model.

• Curriculum Contextualization: Integrating climate and environmental education into early learning curricula.

• Local Government Strengthening: Building LGU capacities to manage sustainable early learning programs.

Geographic Scope

The program will target approximately 35% of children aged 3–4 in BARMM, covering:

• Maguindanao del Norte and Sur

• Cotabato City

• Lanao del Sur and Marawi City

• Basilan and Lamitan City

• Tawi-Tawi

• Sulu and the Special Geographic Area
  Both center-based and home-based early learning programs will be implemented to ensure broad coverage and accessibility.

Why This Grant Matters

• Addresses educational inequities among disadvantaged children in BARMM.

• Strengthens inclusive and resilient early learning systems, including in emergencies.

• Builds the capacity of early childhood educators and supervisors for sustainable program delivery.

• Promotes culturally relevant education and engagement of families through home-based models.

• Integrates climate and environmental awareness into early learning, preparing children for future challenges.

How to Apply / How the Program Works

1. Proposal Development: Prepare applications demonstrating experience in early childhood education, capacity building, and inclusive learning.

2. Submission: Submit applications to UNICEF according to specified procedures, including proposed interventions, expected outcomes, and budgets.

3. Evaluation: Applications are assessed on organizational capacity, alignment with program priorities, impact potential, and sustainability.

4. Implementation Planning: Selected organizations develop detailed workplans for center-based and home-based learning programs.

5. Capacity Building: Conduct training, mentoring, and coaching for Child Development Workers, teachers, and supervisors.

6. Material Deployment: Distribute culturally relevant learning and play materials to targeted schools and communities.

7. Curriculum Adaptation: Contextualize ECCD curriculum to integrate climate and environmental education.

8. Monitoring & Reporting: Measure learning outcomes, track participation, and provide progress reports to UNICEF.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Incomplete proposals: Include all required documentation and a clear budget.

• Weak alignment: Demonstrate how interventions support UNICEF’s ECCD priorities and BARMM-specific needs.

• Limited geographic coverage: Ensure proposed activities target the specified provinces and cities.

• Neglecting home-based learning: Highlight strategies for engaging families and communities.

• Insufficient capacity building plans: Provide detailed strategies for training, mentoring, and supervision.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Who is eligible to apply? A1: NGOs, civil society organizations, and qualified partners with experience in ECCD and inclusive education.
Q2: What age group is targeted? A2: Children aged 3–4 years old in BARMM.
Q3: Which regions are prioritized? A3: Maguindanao del Norte and Sur, Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Basilan, Lamitan City, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and the Special Geographic Area.
Q4: What types of interventions are supported? A4: Center-based and home-based learning programs, teacher capacity building, curriculum contextualization, and culturally relevant materials.
Q5: Is climate education included? A5: Yes, curriculum integration of climate and environmental education is a priority.
Q6: How will impact be measured? A6: Through monitoring learning outcomes, participation rates, and effectiveness of ECCD interventions.
Q7: What is the long-term goal of the initiative? A7: To ensure that by 2028, more children, especially the most vulnerable, participate in a quality, inclusive, safe, resilient, and holistic early learning system.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s ECCD initiative in BARMM offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen early childhood education for disadvantaged children. By combining inclusive learning programs, teacher and supervisor capacity building, culturally relevant materials, and home-based approaches, selected organizations can help ensure that vulnerable children in BARMM gain access to quality, resilient, and holistic early learning by 2028.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.