EduSpots launches its second Ignite Programme this November and December, involving over 400 community-based Changemakers named ‘Catalysts’ in creating the futures they want to see for their communities through education through a sustainable model of change.

EduSpots is a non profit organisation that supports community teams in creating and leading a range of educational activities at community owned spaces named ‘Spots’. Since 2016, EduSpots has brought together over 600 Catalysts to create 50 ‘Spots’ (libraries) which are situated across most regions in Ghana.

The programme kicks off with six 3 day residential regional and online training Academies in Takoradi, Tamale, Techiman, Akumadan, Ho and online, where Catalysts are equipped with knowledge and skills across pedagogy, project management and teamwork, with a focus on collaborative learning, digital skills and Keeping Spots Safe.

Following this, the Catalysts receive mentoring, resource kits, monthly challenges, flexible grant funding and regular visits from staff. Tablets and wifi kits are also distributed at the Academies to enable learners and Catalysts access online resources and tools, alongside EduSpots’ app through which which the programmes are facilitated.

Through EduSpots’ model, alongside support in running the Spots which open up access to resources, study spaces and mentorship, Catalysts are supporting in choosing clubs for learners from EduSpots’ learner ‘strands’ of early years education (EduKidz), STEM and sustainability education (EcoSTEM), gender equity (Ignite Equity) and digital and literacy skills (DigiLit), each targeting different basic level ages groups.

In addition to this, the Catalyst teams join monthly leadership training sessions, and engage in ‘Spot Lead’ challenges across themes such as team building, community engagement and resource mobilisation.

In 2025, an anticipated 3000 basic level learners will join EduSpots’ clubs, with an estimated wider 12,000 individuals using the EduSpots’ spaces, run by voluntary community-based teams of Catalysts.

Abudu Gifty, a local nurse who has been a Catalyst at Akumadan Spot since 2020, commented, “The Ignite Programme is a fantastic opportunity for Catalysts to tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of our community. I’m eager to share my experience and help shape the next generation of Catalysts.”

Akofa Wallace, from a new Spot in Ho-Kpenoe, said: “As a Catalyst in a new Spot, I’m excited to be participating in the Ignite Conference so we can learn how we can best serve and mobilize the Ho-Kpenoe community so our young people have increased access to education – their basic human right, which in turn will give them a chance to dream a new dream for their future and give them a fighting chance out of poverty.”

This programme has been funded with support from King Charles III Charitable Fund, The Chalk Cliff Trust, The Allen and Nesta Ferguson Trust, The Farthing Trust, The Fonthill Foundation, The Gower Street Trust and the mc2h Foundation, alongside other supporters.

You can follow the Ignite Programme launch across our social feeds at @eduspots on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and @edu_spots on Instagram. Visit www.eduspots.org for further information.