The promise of preschool in Africa : a randomized impact evaluation of early childhood development in rural Mozambique (English)

This brief summarizes the results of a gender impact evaluation study, entitled The promise of preschool in Africa : a randomized impact evaluation of early childhood development in rural Mozambique, conducted during the time period early 2008 to 2010... See More + This brief summarizes the results of a gender impact evaluation study, entitled The promise of preschool in Africa : a randomized impact evaluation of early childhood development in rural Mozambique, conducted during the time period early 2008 to 2010 in Mozambique. The study observed that primary school enrollments increased significantly by 24 percent in treatment communities. Beneficiary children spend a significantly greater amount of time on schooling and homework activities (7.2 hours) and a significantly less amount of time on family farm activities. There are consistent significant improvements in cognitive and problem-solving abilities, fine-motor skills and socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes. The program also has a positive externality on other household members by increasing schooling and increasing the propensity to work of adults in the household. Finally, the program leads caregivers to adopt more appropriate punishment and increase the practice of daily routine. Funding for the study derived from Spanish Impact Evaluation Fund.  See Less -