The Saudi-based investment development company, the Stellar Group, has taken the initiative to reverse the poor learning trend in the Kingdom and improve the early education concept and system in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative comes in response to an Indicators report, ‘Education at a Glance 2013,’ which has evaluated the student enrollment rate in early learning programs in Saudi Arabia to be a mere 12 percent in comparison to the 90 percent enrollment of three-year-olds in Japan, Belgium, Norway, Italy, France and Sweden.

The report has been prepared by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The Stellar Group that specializes in education and training, entrepreneurship and venture capital is set to host the inaugural Early Childhood Education Forum, which seeks to raise awareness on the role that quality education plays in the formative years of a child and promote the exchange of best practices among early learning practitioners in Saudi Arabia.

To be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education in Jeddah from March 26–27, the forum will include 20 workshops that will equip participants with the tools and skills required for supporting the needs of children from early childhood through to school.

The agenda also includes 20 panel discussions that are anticipated to both motivate and challenge conventional thinking on best educational practices.

Huda Al-Amoudi, Stellar Group, said: “Research over time has indicated the imperative need for initiatives such as the Early Childhood Education Forum. We have left no stone unturned to ensure that the forum brings in international experts to provide our practitioners with up to date tools and best practices. We look forward to a stimulating discussion and participation from parents and practitioners to take Saudi Arabia to the next level of professionalism in the delivery of the curriculum to young children.”

Stellar group was founded to catalyze youth development and foster women’s empowerment in the MENA region and especially in Saudi Arabia. Through a wide range of programs and projects, Stellar Group facilitates quality deal flow, encourages investor collaboration and develop important relationships with local and international key service providers.

Regional exhibitions and activities include a venture fair, regular networking events and educational forums. All these activities aim to create a positive environment for the sustainable development of Stellar Group and other businesses and institutes in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.