Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
UNICEF Uganda has launched a closed Call for Expression of Interest to improve access to quality, inclusive, and equitable Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services for children aged 3–5 years in underserved and refugee-hosting communities across Uganda. The initiative focuses on community-based and innovative early learning approaches, caregiver training, inclusive education, parenting support, and strengthening ECCE systems with an indicative budget of USD 450,000.
Overview of the Opportunity
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking partners to implement inclusive and scalable early childhood education interventions in Uganda. The programme supports community-based, home-based, mobile, and centre-based ECCE services aimed at improving school readiness and child development outcomes.
The initiative is part of UNICEF Uganda’s Country Programme Document 2026–2030 and aligns with Uganda’s national priorities for human capital development.
UNICEF is working in partnership with:
- Ministry of Education and Sports
- Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
- Office of the Prime Minister
- Civil society organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Private sector actors
Key Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Expand access to quality ECCE services
- Improve inclusive and child-centred teaching approaches
- Strengthen caregiver and teacher training
- Improve access to learning and play materials
- Promote positive parenting and community engagement
- Strengthen referral systems for health, nutrition, protection, and disability support
- Improve district-level planning and coordination
- Increase inclusion of children with disabilities and marginalized groups
- Promote community ownership of ECCE services
Why the Programme Matters
Uganda continues to face major challenges in early childhood education access, especially in rural, underserved, and refugee-hosting communities.
Key challenges include:
- Low ECCE enrolment rates
- Poverty and inequality
- Limited infrastructure
- Shortage of trained caregivers and teachers
- Disability-related barriers
- Gender inequality
- Weak access to inclusive learning materials
National data shows that only 37 percent of children currently attend early childhood education programmes.
The initiative aims to address these gaps through sustainable, community-driven, and inclusive approaches.
Key Programme Components
Community-Based ECCE Services
The programme will support:
- Community-based learning centres
- Home-based ECCE approaches
- Mobile learning services
- Centre-based early childhood education models
Teacher and Caregiver Capacity Building
Activities include:
- Professional development training
- Inclusive teaching methodologies
- Child-centred pedagogy
- Continuous mentorship and supervision
Inclusive Learning Environment
The initiative promotes:
- Age-appropriate learning materials
- Inclusive play resources
- Disability-friendly learning approaches
- Safe and supportive learning environments
Parenting and Community Engagement
The programme will strengthen:
- Positive parenting practices
- Responsive caregiving
- Community awareness
- Local ownership of ECCE services
Who is Eligible?
The call targets organizations capable of implementing innovative and inclusive ECCE interventions in Uganda.
Potential partners may include:
- Civil society organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- NGOs
- Private sector actors working in education
- Organizations with experience in child protection, disability inclusion, or refugee support
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- Improved access to quality ECCE services for at least 25,520 children aged 3–5 years
- Stronger community-based ECCE platforms
- Improved ECCE learning environments aligned with national standards
- Increased number of trained caregivers and pre-primary teachers
- Better inclusion of children with disabilities and marginalized groups
- Improved parenting and responsive caregiving practices
How the Programme Works
The initiative will support selected partners to implement ECCE interventions in underserved and refugee-hosting communities.
Key implementation steps include:
- Identification of target communities and children
- Establishment or strengthening of ECCE platforms
- Training of caregivers and teachers
- Distribution of learning and play materials
- Community awareness and parenting support activities
- Monitoring, supervision, and quality assurance
- Coordination with government and local stakeholders
Budget and Coverage
- Indicative Budget: USD 450,000
- Target Group: Children aged 3–5 years
- Geographic Focus: Underserved and refugee-hosting communities across Uganda
Common Challenges
Organizations implementing ECCE programmes may face:
- Limited infrastructure in remote areas
- Shortage of trained ECCE personnel
- Cultural and language barriers
- Low community awareness about early learning
- Limited inclusion of children with disabilities
- Funding and sustainability challenges
The UNICEF initiative aims to address these through training, community engagement, partnerships, and systems strengthening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UNICEF Uganda ECCE initiative?
It is a UNICEF-supported programme aimed at improving access to inclusive and quality early childhood education services in Uganda.
Who are the target beneficiaries?
The programme primarily targets children aged 3–5 years in underserved and refugee-hosting communities.
What types of ECCE approaches are supported?
The initiative supports community-based, home-based, mobile, and centre-based ECCE services.
What is the main focus of the programme?
The programme focuses on improving access, quality, inclusion, caregiver training, and community engagement in early childhood education.
How many children are expected to benefit?
At least 25,520 children are expected to benefit from improved ECCE services.
What is the indicative budget?
The indicative budget for the initiative is USD 450,000.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Uganda ECCE initiative represents an important effort to expand equitable access to quality early childhood education for vulnerable children in underserved and refugee-hosting communities. By strengthening inclusive learning systems, supporting caregivers and teachers, and promoting community ownership, the programme aims to improve school readiness, child development outcomes, and long-term resilience for thousands of children across Uganda.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.