Holistic approaches encompass not just academics, like traditional education systems, but also result in the enhanced physical, social, and emotional development of children, engaging community support to produce well-rounded individuals. This approach is essential for helping children overcome adversity and addressing modern challenges exacerbated by crises like COVID-19 and climate change. Evidence shows that programs incorporating holistic skills improve educational access and success, particularly for marginalized groups, by removing institutional barriers and fostering inclusivity.
Examples like Ethiopia’s Speed Schools and Colombia’s Escuela Nueva illustrate the effectiveness of holistic education models. These programs have demonstrated improved learning outcomes and retention rates by focusing on child-centered, community-oriented education. However, there are also challenges in measuring holistic skills, particularly in low-income contexts, underscoring the importance of contextualization and adaptation of assessment tools.