“Frankly speaking, there were lots of things I didn’t know and couldn’t do. I never knew that a cover letter is written by oneself and didn’t even know how to write it. I didn’t know how to prepare a CV because after training college, nobody writes letters or sends CVs anywhere for anything. This has really helped me personally.” – Lynda, Catalyst, Funkoe Spot
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has made remarkable progress in promoting Continuous Professional Development (CPD) among teachers through well-structured policies, such as declaring March 28th as National CPD Day and introducing incentives that reward professional learning.
However, challenges remain, especially in areas like digital literacy and career development. Many teachers from training colleges are posted directly to schools after graduation, with little exposure to modern tools for career advancement. Unlike university graduates, they often don’t need to write CVs, cover letters, or search for jobs online, leaving them less familiar with essential digital and professional skills.
EduSpots’ Commitment to Teacher Professional Growth
At EduSpots, approximately 7 out of every 10 Catalysts, our community-based changemakers, are professional teachers. We believe that equipping teachers with the needed skills is key to transforming communities. When teachers grow, learners benefit.
That’s why EduSpots introduced the EduBytes Programme, a certified monthly training initiative designed to build digital literacy and strengthen career development among Catalysts. Each month, participants complete four weeks of interactive training focused on addressing specific skill gaps identified within the network.
The Professional Growth Lab
In September, EduSpots launched the Professional Growth Lab, the second edition of the EduBytes Programme following the successful Canva for Beginners module.
This edition focused on career readiness, equipping Catalysts with the tools and confidence to explore new opportunities in the digital world. The sessions ran every Monday from September 1st to 22nd, culminating in a graduation celebration on September 29th.
Through the Professional Growth Lab, participants learned how to:
- Craft a CV that opens doors to new opportunities
- Write a purposeful cover letter that communicates their value clearly
- Build confidence for interviews and professional interactions
- Explore digital platforms for global opportunities
Real Stories and Feedback
A total of 31 Catalysts participated in this edition, and their feedback speaks volumes:
- “Presentations were in-depth, and each one was backed by assignments to ensure concepts were well understood.” – Rebecca
- “I enjoyed every session. I gained practical tools and strategies to enhance my career prospects and confidence that I can apply immediately.” – Muniru
- “I was inspired and willing to do it again. The sessions were concise and useful.” – Margaret
- “The websites shared with us for self-training were really helpful.” – Nafisa
Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Freelance Opportunities
Catalysts were also introduced to freelancing tools such as Upwork, where they learned to create professional profiles, showcase their skills, and connect with global clients. This initiative helps teachers and changemakers diversify their income, apply their digital skills beyond the classroom, and actively participate in the global digital economy.
Building on the Momentum
Following the success of the Professional Growth Lab, over 32 Catalysts are now enrolled in the next EduBytes module, Google Docs for Communication and Collaboration, designed to enhance teamwork, productivity, and digital collaboration.
Join Us in Scaling Impact
EduSpots is calling on government institutions, private partners, and educational stakeholders to join hands in scaling the EduBytes Programme. Together, we can extend this transformative initiative to reach more teachers and community changemakers across 50 communities, 49 in Ghana and 1 in Kenya, ensuring that every educator is equipped to lead and thrive in a digital era.
The significance of teacher quality in shaping learners’ success cannot be overstated. An effective teacher not only employs appropriate tools and strategies to prepare learners for the future, but also empowers them to become creators of their own futures.