The EduSpots Staff Academy took place from February 3 to 5, 2025, at the Elmina Training Center in the Central Region of Ghana.
This Academy brought together both existing and new staff to foster collaboration, contribute to strategic planning, develop core professional skills aligned with EduSpots’ operational framework, and enhance digital literacy skills essential for working in an online environment.
Day 1: Building Connections and Strategic Planning
The Academy commenced with an engaging icebreaker activity led by Faad Abdul-Rahman, Programmes Manager, to help participants get to know one another. The session continued with key insights from the 2025 Independent Evaluation, presented by the Head of Programmes (Education and Research), Head of Programmes (Spots Leadership), Head of Operations, and the Programmes Manager. Cat Davison, CEO, provided context for the evaluation, emphasizing its relevance to staff roles and strategic direction.
In the afternoon, Cynthia, the Volta Regional Coordinator, facilitated a well-being session at Lemon Beach Resort. Staff participated in various activities, including volleyball, Monopoly, Oware, Ludo, racing, and sea-view meditation, promoting relaxation and team bonding.
The evening session, led by Akorfa, Head of Programmes (Spot Leadership), focused on one-on-one meetings between peer mentors and their line managers. These sessions allowed new peer mentors to gain clarity on their roles, expectations, and responsibilities while fostering stronger professional relationships.
Day 2: Strengthening Core Professional Skills
The second day began with a grant reporting session led by Cat, during which staff were guided through key aspects of effective grant reporting. This was followed by an insightful session on EduSpots’ policies, staff handbook, and code of conduct led by Kennedy, the Head of Operations. Through interactive discussions and practical scenarios, Kennedy helped staff internalize these guidelines, ensuring everyone not just understood them, but also understood the underlying principles that drive EduSpots’ commitment to ethical operations and professional excellence.
In the afternoon, Akorfa facilitated a collaborative session on communicating effectively and transparently with line managers. This interactive session provided practical strategies for enhancing workplace communication. The day concluded with an engaging evening session led by Cat. In it, staff were grouped according to their roles to develop communication plans. The plans were then shared with the team for constructive feedback.
Day 3: Digital Skills Development
The final day of the Academy was dedicated to digital skills training. Kennedy led a comprehensive session on the EduSpots App, equipping staff with the knowledge needed to support Catalysts in navigating the platform. This was followed by a training session on leveraging AI tools for professional tasks, led by Isaac, Communication and Digital Skills Manager. This session introduced key generative AI tools relevant to various roles within the organization.
In the afternoon, Noah, our in-house Graphic Designer, led an interactive workshop on Canva, providing staff with essential design skills. The day concluded with a session on effectively using Google Sheets, led by Kennedy, aimed at enhancing data management skills across roles.
The Academy wrapped up with a strategic team meeting facilitated by Lawrence and Akorfa. Staff were divided into groups to reflect on their personal and professional development goals, ensuring alignment with their department’s vision.
Conclusion
The 2025 EduSpots Staff Academy was a transformative experience, equipping staff with valuable skills, fostering team cohesion, and reinforcing the organization’s strategic goals. The three-day event not only strengthened staff capacity but also set the stage for impactful collaboration and innovation in the year ahead.