Little Ripples Curriculum

Little Ripples curriculum, created by experts in early childhood education and development, trauma recovery, and mindfulness, emphasizes social-emotional learning, peacebuilding, language and mathematics literacy, and physical development for children ages 3 to 5; and is adapted by the refugee teachers and infused with their cultural songs, stories, experiences, and traditions. In order to make the program more cost-effective and scalable in eastern Chad and other refugee contexts, Little Ripples moved from a school-based to an in-home model called Ponds. Ponds are hosted in existing refugee homes, eliminating the need and construction of costly new structures in camps. In partnership with the community, homes are chosen and adapted into safe and appropriate spaces for young children to learn and play. Each Pond has 2 teachers to 45 children. Little Ripples plants the foundations of interpersonal skills, empathy, and peace among populations exposed to conflict, violence and instability. When these communities are no longer refugees and must rebuild their lives, women will be able to use the program's curriculum and their acquired skills to assist in developing their community’s education structure for young children.