EduSpots uses a mix of quantitive and qualitative methods, also combining independent evaluators with a strong in-house integrated approach to monitoring, evaluation and learning that infuses the delivery of our work with a learning and impact-driven mindset.

Crucially, in our model, the Catalysts are part of the creative, evaluative and learning journey. One Catalyst commented as part of the 2025 independent evaluation: “We’re not just implementing a pre-set model. Our ideas and experiences are actively shaping how EduSpots evolves. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”

Independent Evaluation, 2025

In 2025, we commissioned a quantitative and qualitative study across 10 sampled Spot communities, with over 200 Catalysts, learners, community members, headteachers and staff interviewed in the process.

Here are some key quotations from the study:

• Pedagogical transformation: “The shift towards more learner-centred, inclusive, and practical teaching methods has transformed school-based pedagogy, making education more relevant and engaging for students.”
• Leadership transformation:  “EduSpots has realised its vision of community-driven change by empowering local changemakers. The programme has built an effective network of young people and community members who initiate positive changes. This approach has created a new generation of leaders who can sustain and expand EduSpots’ work.”
• Value for money, systems and sustainability: “’The model offers a structured approach to programme delivery. It offers significant value for money, leveraging volunteer engagement and capacity building to maximise impact.”
• Replicability in new contexts: The study confirms that “the model’s ability to be replicated and the general benefits derived by the community indicate its potential to make a lasting impact in diverse contexts, positioning EduSpots as a promoter of educational equity and community.”

An overall conclusion:

“The EduSpots programme has successfully transformed educational landscapes across Ghana, fostering a new generation of active, empathetic citizens and catalysing community-driven change.”

Here are some quantitive findings from the independent study:

1. There was a 52% increase in Catalysts’ self-reported empathy and cultural sensitivity scores. 
2. 85% of Catalysts felt able to handle complex safeguarding concerns.
3. Trends analysis among learners showed a 40% increase in learners’ participation in civic activities throughout the programme.
4. Parents reported an increase in their ward’s openness in reporting issues they faced at school to them.
5. Classroom observation data showed a 45% increase in student-centred learning approaches among teachers exposed to the EduSpots model.

ImpactEd Quantitive Findings 2021-2024

These results were found using validated surveys that tests changes in skills, attitudes and behaviours in both learners and Catalysts over a 10-12 month period, using baseline, mid-point and end-line surveys.

• A 5% increase in ‘Civic engagement scale (behaviours)’ (10 months, learners aged 12-16, Ignite Equity, 2024)
• A 4.8% increase in ‘Sense of Community Index’ (10 months, Catalysts, Ignite Programme, 2024) 
• A 13% increase for learners in ‘Emotional engagement in maths and science’ (10 months, learners aged 10-16, EcoSTEM, 2024)
• A 12% increase in ‘self-efficacy’ (10 months, Catalysts, 2021)

The Most Significant Change interview also approach saw Hamidu Kaadri, describe the change in him: ‘Before the programme, I was an ordinary headteacher. I returned not just as a school leader, but as a strategic leader, a change maker, a community builder and a staff developer.” He went on to explain how the Keeping Spots Safe badge has catalysed change across his wider district.

Read our 2024 Short Report here:

Please find the core statistics on our growth across 3 years here:

Please read our latest 2023 Annual Report here:

Find our 2022 Impact Report here: 

 

Watch an interview with Emma, an EduKidz Catalyst in Wodome, describing the impact of EduSpots upon her teaching: