Ricardo’s research focuses on enhancing foundational skills in early primary education, particularly for out-of-school children in northern Ghana. He collaborates with experts from various institutions. Ricardo highlights a 25-year-old program by School for Life that uses mother-tongue instruction and community involvement to boost literacy and numeracy. This innovative approach accommodates children’s schedules and offers tailored learning experiences. Ricardo sees challenges in his work, including gender disparities and the need for continuous educational support. His research shows the impact of context-sensitive, community-driven educational interventions.
Listen to Ricardo
“We raise the question about what building a better system is. What do we mean by the system? Do we mean that the system has to be the same for all children or do we enable these alternative educational innovations to operate and to boost the foundational skills of children?”
Ricardo Sabates
Ricardo Sabates
Ricardo Sabates (PhD) is an academic focused on education and international development. As a Professor at the University of Cambridge, his work focuses on educational inequalities and policies aimed at improving learning outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. He researches areas like early childhood development and adult literacy, often collaborating with global organizations to inform education policies. Through his research and teaching, Ricardo works toward making education systems more equitable and effective.