Every child’s learning journey begins with a single step.
Long before they solve mathematics problems, write essays, or dream about their future careers, children first learn to recognise letters, count numbers, ask questions, and express themselves with confidence. These are the foundations upon which all future learning is built.
That is what foundational learning is all about.
In July 2026, Malawi welcomed more than 600 education leaders, policymakers, researchers, and development partners from over 25 countries for the Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX 2026) in Lilongwe. The conference was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to improving learning outcomes for children across the continent.
For Eluby Consulting, however, the story began long before the conference halls opened.
It began in a classroom at Chidowola Primary School in rural Salima.
Because every great future begins with a strong foundation and every impact deserves to be seen.
In partnership with UNICEF, Eluby Consulting travelled to the school to document the impact of Malawi’s Pre-Primary Class (P-Class) programme, an initiative supported by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education to ensure children develop essential literacy, numeracy, and social skills before entering primary school.
Our assignment was not simply to capture photographs and videos.
It was to tell a human story.
A story of eager young learners confidently sounding out letters for the first time. A story of classrooms filled with curiosity, laughter, and discovery. A story of dedicated teachers who arrive each day determined to give every child the strongest possible start in life.
Behind every image was a child discovering their potential. Behind every frame was a teacher investing in the future of Malawi.
Across Africa, millions of children still face barriers to accessing quality early learning opportunities. Initiatives such as P-Class demonstrate how investing in early childhood education can equip children with the foundational skills they need to succeed throughout their educational journey and beyond.
These were the stories we carried with us from Salima to Lilongwe.
At FLEX 2026, those moments became part of a much larger conversation. The photographs and films captured by Eluby Consulting helped showcase Malawi’s progress in foundational learning to delegates from across the continent. Through powerful visual storytelling, participants experienced first-hand the impact that UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, teachers, communities, and development partners are making in improving learning outcomes for children.
Our work did not stop with the stories from Salima.
Throughout the conference, the Eluby Consulting team documented keynote addresses, ministerial discussions, panel sessions, exhibitions, and the countless moments of collaboration that defined FLEX 2026. From the first light of morning preparations to the final evening sessions, our cameras followed the conversations, connections, and commitments shaping the future of education in Africa.
Every photograph captured a milestone.
Every video preserved a conversation.
Every story helped amplify the shared vision that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, thrive, and reach their full potential.
At Eluby Consulting, we believe that storytelling is more than documenting events it is about giving visibility to impact. It is about ensuring that meaningful work reaches the audiences who can champion it, invest in it, and replicate it.
From a rural classroom in Salima to one of Africa’s most important education gatherings, we were honoured to help tell Malawi’s story of foundational learning.
Eluby consulting is pleased to partner with UNICEF and the Hempel Foundation for more impactful stories
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