to indigenize western studies of ece, i took to the few studies available on ece in west african contexts. the most contextually relevant and accessible forms of ece are community-based and religious as they are the most localized — as opposed to state-run and private entities which are heavily western influenced and inaccessible respectively. educational materials are to be adapted to local understandings to nurture children’s understanding of their own environment with cultural games and traditions incorporated into the curriculum. 

drawing on both global and contextual references that include the works of francis kere, i conceived of a preschool “campus” in which the interior and exterior flow freely into each other and engagement with the grounds is reinforced from every vantage point. the four triangular classrooms form the perimeter of the campus and open to its center where the multipurpose space sits. each classroom has a ramp and shaded pathway leading to the multipurpose space with play areas, greenery, bathrooms, the principal’s office, and storage space peppered in between. materials will mimic that of local homes with wood, tin, and clay fixed with wooded panels to optimize for both shade and cross ventilation.