Congratulations to the 11 new Spots who are joining the EduSpots network in 2024 on a trial period! 

Earlier this year, EduSpots opened an application process for new Spots, with over 30 communities applying to join the EduSpots network this cycle. Communities applied in teams, showing evidence of existing community-led education programmes and activities, identifying an existing space that can be used as a ‘Spot’. They were asked to demonstrate strong community engagement in the project. Following completion of an application form, Spot teams were interviewed ahead of Spot visits and in-person engagements with our regional coordinators and management team.

Joining the EduSpots network gives local Catalysts typically in underserved rural communities the chance to engage in our three leadership programmes through which they receive extensive support in organising library spaces, and running quality education clubs across early years education, digital literacy, STEM & sustainability education and gender equity, with a strong focus on Keeping Spots Safe. Once Spot teams have demonstrated a strong ability to deliver our model, further opportunities for grant funding and resource support are opened.

The list of Spots admitted to the network are: Asemasa, Kejabil, Kato-Berekum, Dormaa Ahenkro Aboabo No. 4, Soko, Kumbungu Zamigu, Piesie, Gamgbibo, Katangg-Zuarungu, Ho-Kpenue and Abutia.

Those Spots who were not selected this time, have been given feedback on their application, with the possibility of reapplying in future for those still keen to adopt our community-led model of change. For those interested in applying, we currently plan to reopen applications in early 2025.

The EduSpots Network

The map below reflects our network of Spots, stretched across 12 regions of Ghana and Kenya. We made a strategic decision in 2018 to adopt a model whereby communities apply to become ‘Spots’, rather than targeting communities, recognising the importance the active desire to lead the projects as an intrinsic part of the effectiveness of our community-driven model.

Although our wide spread can make Spot visits and monitoring more complex, our Catalysts greatly value the intercultural exchange present within our operational model, alongside the opportunity to build a network of friends across Ghana and beyond!

New Spot Induction

The new Spots will move through a tailored induction process to support the Spot start up process, with strong mentorship from experienced regional coordinators, most of whom have experience of setting up and sustaining a Spot. In the first instance, the Spots focus on establishing an effective Catalyst team, creating Spot systems and ensuring strong community engagement in the process. They will also selecting one or two of the EduSpots’ education clubs to run locally, alongside locally designed activities. New Spots Asemasa, Kejabil, Gambigbo and Kumbungu are captured below!

The Ignite Programme

Catalysts from the new Spots will join our Ignite Programme relaunch planned for November – December 2024, where we plan to train over 400 Catalysts through 5 regional residential Academies stretching the reach of Ghana. The focus on these training Academies will be formalising the Catalyst role, giving the needed pedagogical and operational training for Spots to thrive, and advancing use of the EduSpots’ app, alongside extensive safeguarding training.

The 2024-2026 roll-out of the Ignite Programme will enable the 400+ Catalysts to impact over 12,000 learners through opening the Spots, with a projected 2500 learners signing up to a range of education clubs.

Thank you to everyone who applied to join the EduSpots network in 2024, and to all the staff involved in this considerable application process! We look forward to working with you all.