On Saturday 8th March, against the magnificent backdrop of Corpus Christi College, we celebrated EduSpots’ 10th anniversary.
Beginning with a drinks reception, the evening brought together a range of people important to EduSpots’ history – from the first cookie-selling student fundraisers and the first employee, to current staff and supporters. After a warm welcome by Adam Khanbhai, our finance trustee, guests were welcomed into the dining hall to enjoy a wonderful three-course meal.
Between courses, we heard from a range of brilliant speakers. Akorfa Dawson, our Head of Programmes (Spots and Leadership Development) delivered a speech on behalf of Gloria Addae, one of the first Catalysts. Gloria highlighted EduSpots’ remarkable transformation over the past decade, from one Spot in Abofour, tucked in a school, to 50 Spots across Ghana and Kenya. From one reading club to a range of education strands available to Sparks (learners), including early years play-based learning, digital literacy and Spot leadership. She said she believes EduSpots will ‘go global’, and ‘have its wings all over the world’, emphasising that the impact of individual efforts should never be underestimated.
We were also delighted to hear from Cormac Russell, author and founding director of Nuture Development, as he shared insights on asset-based community development thinking. Emphasising the crucial importance of creating change through building on the strengths of a community; looking ‘not at what’s wrong, but what is strong’ he provided practical applications for this approach.
This was followed by Cat Davison, our CEO and founder, who spotlighted EduSpots’ community-based changemakers, Catalysts, who have been the driving force behind creating sustainable and effective change over the last decade. Reiterating our slogan, ‘Our Collective Future’, Cat underlined the need for a collaborative and inclusive approach to future-building.
Reflecting on EduSpots’ transformative journey over the past decade has fueled our excitement for the impact we’ll create in the years to come. Brittany Newfer, our Fundraising Manager, introduced the 100 Club, an opportunity to become part of an exclusive community of monthly donors supporting the growth of EduSpots’ impact from 50 to 100 Spots. For each monthly donor that joins we are placing one brick on our Lego library – a full circle moment, as this idea came from the first fundraising initiative ten years ago! We also raised money through a successful raffle of generously donated prizes.
Reverend Canon Fred Kosi Ashford-Okai, a long time friend of Cat, closed the evening, remarking on the dedication and commitment of the Eduspots’ network in championing education across Ghana.
We are so grateful for everyone who supported and joined us at our UK-based Anniversary celebrations. We look forward to the next ten years of our collective journey!
