Education is a powerful tool for community transformation, and at EduSpots, we believe in the power of local community teams to drive sustainable change. Our network of over 400 voluntary educators, known as Catalysts, manages community-led education spaces (Spots) across Ghana, reaching more than 10,000 learners annually. To enhance their impact, we are proud to introduce the EduSpots App, a digital platform designed to strengthen our Catalysts’ ability to manage Spots, track learner progress, access resources, and foster collaboration across our growing network.

A Solution to Real Challenges

For years, EduSpots’ Catalysts and staff have faced difficulties in data collection and reporting. Getrude Akunlibe, Dulugu Spot Founder and Regional Coordinator for the Northern & Overseas Cluster, shares her experience:

“As a Spot Founder in 2019, I used to manually record Spot data and share it with the EduSpots team. Then, working as the Northern and Overseas Regional Coordinator from 2024, I also had to collaborate with the Spot team to gather and report information. These two tasks were the most challenging parts of my job. Not only was it difficult to collect comprehensive data and report it accurately, but I also had to ensure that any mistakes were avoided. A single mistake could misrepresent the true impact of our work.”

The EduSpots App addresses these challenges by streamlining data management, ensuring accuracy, and reducing the administrative burden on volunteers and staff.

Funded by the Gower Street Trust, a long-standing supporter of EduSpots since 2022, the app was conceived as a ‘Facebook for community educators’ – a space where Catalysts can build profiles, share achievements, and engage with one another while accessing EduSpots’ programmes and learning resources.

Key Features of the EduSpots App

• Documenting Volunteer Journeys: Every Catalyst begins their journey by creating a personalised profile on the app, complete with a display picture and key details. This feature allows volunteers to track their contributions, growth, and impact over time, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection: Safety is paramount in our network. The app integrates a rigorous registration process, requiring each Catalyst to provide references from two non-family members. EduSpots’ Regional Coordinators and Spot Leaders then conduct background checks to ensure all volunteers align with our Code of Conduct, maintaining a safe and trustworthy learning environment.
• Spot Management and Oversight: The app enables Catalysts to log Spot opening hours, track volunteer attendance, and monitor activities. Additionally, Spot Management Committees can record meeting minutes, attendance, and decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability in local Spot operations.
• Tracking Learner (Sparks) Progress: Each Spot can register learners (Sparks) into Strand Clubs such as EcoSTEM, DigiLit, Ignite Equity, or EduKidz based on community needs. Strand Leads use the app to record attendance, participation, and learning progress, helping to tailor support for each child’s educational journey.
• Resource and Grant Management: Spots receive various resources, including books, tablets, and projectors. The app’s resource management feature ensures proper documentation, promoting transparency and efficient planning. Additionally, the grant management tool allows Spots to record expenditures, attach receipts, and generate financial reports, simplifying donor accountability.
• Fundraising and Income Tracking: Local fundraising initiatives are vital for sustainability. The app enables Spots to log income generated through community efforts, fostering transparency and making it easier to report to supporters.
• Monthly Challenges and Collaboration: One of the most engaging aspects of the app is the Monthly Strand Challenges, where Spots participate in group tasks/assignments based on their chosen Strands. Catalysts can submit completed challenges for feedback via the app. EduSpots Strand Coordinators then mark the monthly Challenges, updates the leaderboard, and share tailored feedback on the Challenges with each Spot, fostering healthy competition, skill development, and cross-network learning.

Getrude Akunlibe (Dulugu Spot Founder and Regional Coordinator, Northern & Overseas Cluster) shares her enthusiasm about the EduSpots app: 

“Seeing the app take shape, I believe it will be a game changer. From now, being able to automatically record opening hours and attendance with a single click, to downloading all data in any document format – the app will make the work of staff and Catalysts smoother, easier, and more accurate. It will also provide an opportunity for people who aren’t tech-inclined to learn.”

A Wider Digital Transformation

The EduSpots App is part of a broader digitalisation effort, supported by the distribution of over 150 tablets and Wi-Fi kits to Spots. This initiative ensures that Catalysts and learners can access not only the app but also a wealth of digital educational resources, including locally authored storybooks (like our Kwame’s Adventures series) and curriculum-aligned textbooks.

Strengthening Community, Scaling Impact

Over time, the app will evolve to include certification features, personalised recognition for Catalysts, and enhanced networking tools, further solidifying the EduSpots community across the 11 regions in Ghana and in Kenya. By leveraging technology, we are empowering local educators to lead with confidence, track their impact, and inspire the next generation of learners.

To support our mission or learn more, contact our CEO Cat Davison at cdavison@eduspots.org. Join us as we harness the power of education – one Spot, one Catalyst, and one Spark at a time.