Ensemble pour la Petite Enfance (Together for Early Childhood) is a French NGO dedicated to advancing evidence-based, high-quality early childhood care both locally and internationally. Since 2016, it has combined on-the-ground support—working with early childhood professionals, public and private sector actors, and families—with strategic advocacy initiatives to drive sustainable, long-term change.
Strengthening partnerships for international advocacy
As a member of several international organizations, including UNESCO, ISSA, OECD, and Eurochild, Ensemble pour la Petite Enfance focuses on building partnerships that bring together key stakeholders to enhance the working conditions and skills of early childhood professionals worldwide.
One notable success is its participation in the Europe-wide advocacy campaign First Years First Priority, in collaboration with ISSA and Eurochild. This initiative encourages governments to prioritize early childhood policy development by appointing national coordinators and creating "country profiles" to track progress.
In addition, Ensemble pour la Petite Enfance fosters global dialogue by organizing congresses and study visits that facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration and continuous learning among early childhood professionals. At the 2022 World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in Tashkent, representatives from over 145 countries reaffirmed their commitment to high-quality early childhood education, pledging to:
- Invest at least 10% of national education budgets in early learning,
- Guarantee one year of free pre-primary education, and
- Ensure fair wages for preschool educators.
On the ground: transforming early childhood care around the world
Chad
In 2023, Ensemble pour la Petite Enfance organized a five-day workshop in Chad, training over 20 participants from diverse professional backgrounds in the country’s education sector, including preschool educators, the Centre National Curricula, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and Écoles Maternelles Professionnelles.
Using a UNICEF-based curriculum, the workshop highlighted the importance of investing in early childhood care and education while fostering discussions on concrete action steps for improvement.
Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria
At UNICEF’s Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development and Parenting in June 2024, Nathalie Casso-Vicarini, founder of Ensemble pour la Petite Enfance, presented the impact of the Homes for the First 1,000 Days of Life (Maisons des 1,000 premiers jours) initiative, which helps ensure children receive the strongest possible start in life.
Following her presentation, the organization secured and is now developing a long-term partnership with Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. This collaboration aims to strengthen local early childhood workforces by providing science-backed resources on key aspects of child development.
The Gambia
With The Gambia's commitment to early childhood development growing, Ensemble pour la Petite Enfance has expanded its grassroots support in Lamin Village to address the educational needs of the local community.
Due to a lack of government-established schools, Lamin and neighboring villages have had to rely on makeshift structures for education. To address this challenge, the organization is leading a project to:
- Improve socio-economic conditions by developing a modern nursery and primary school with up-to-date facilities,
- Support construction efforts by funding building materials and launching a dedicated fundraising campaign, and
- Enhance teacher training through The Essentials, a collection of evidence-based educational resources translated and adapted for parents and educators.
By integrating holistic early childhood education practices, this initiative ensures children in Lamin receive high-quality learning opportunities supported by the latest pedagogical research.
Strengthening early childhood for future generations
Through a combination of international advocacy, local action, and capacity-building initiatives, Ensemble pour la Petite Enfance continues to demonstrate the transformative power of international cooperation in early childhood education.
By uniting global actors and supporting grassroots initiatives in countries like The Gambia, the organization is helping shape a future where every child—regardless of location—has access to high-quality early childhood care and education.
