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← EduSpots

2023-12-31-accounts

We connect, train and equip local Catalysts to drive community-led change through education spaces named 'Spots'

20 ANNUAL 23 REPORT

Community-led, sustainable and transformative education

UK registered charity 1166734 Ghana Registered NGO Number CG091852019 www.eduspots.org Follow @eduspots info@eduspots.org

© EduSpots 2024

• An EduSpots Story 1 • Welcome Address - Chair of Trustees 2 Table of • Welcome Address - Founder & C.E.O. 3 • Key Charitable Information 4 Contents • Our Theory of Change 5 • Dream Spot Model 6 • 11 Steps to the Dream Spot Model 7 • Our Growth in Statistics 8 • Our Programmes 9 • The Ignite Programme 10 • 11 Most Significant Changes in Communities • 12 Most Significant Changes on Catalysts • Case Study: Zangbalun Spot 13 1. Regional Academies 14 2. Strands for Learners 15 • EduLit strand 16

• Case Study: Zangbalun Spot
1.
Regional Academies
2. Strands for Learners
•
EduLit strand
•
EcoSTEM strand		 13
14
15
16
18
•
Ignite Girls strand		 20
•
EduKidz strand		 22
•
Spot Ops strand		 24
3. Flexible grant funding 25
4. Resource support 27
5. Ignite Talks 28
6. National conference 29
7. Graduation event 30
• The Inspire Mentoring Programme 31
• Keeping Spots Safe 33
• Regional Coordinators & Spot Visits 34
• Staf Professional Development 35
• Elmina Spot & Training Centre 36
• Wider educational reach: Online courses 37
• Ambassadors’ Network 38
• Drive for Digitalisation 39
• Partnerships & Fundraising 40
• Independent Examiners’ Report 41
• Financial Reports 42
• Additional fnancial information 44
• EduSpots’ Network Awards 2023 45

1

An EduSpots Story

From Sakaska Spot where I was the Project Leader, l came to Techiman on release and transfer by Ghana Education Service. Upon reaching Ameyaw school, l saw that the learners' reading skills were very low so l decided to set up a reading club in the school. I saw that the learners were responding positively so in one of our staff meetings l shared EduSpots’ vision, mission and our dreams with my colleagues. Almost all the teachers including the then headmaster showed interest, we applied, and were successful in joining the network in 2023 as one of seven new Spots joining the Ignite Programme Regional Academies.

like a clean-up campaign, the launch of our period poverty social enterprise, and our careers choices session.

We have had a number of parents coming to the school to appreciate us. That they have seen tremendous change in their children's attitudes towards their learning. That is they have improved academically, socially and even the way they dress, talk and conduct themselves have changed. The Director too is very much appreciative of all our activities in the Spot and he wishes that all schools in Techiman Municipality have a Spot.

In Ameyaw Spot we take part in all of the strands: EduLit, Ignite Equity, EcoSTEM, EduKidz and Spot Lead, with clubs running for each, equipped with resource kits. With the support from EduSpots, we have been able to make a lot of changes and impact thousands of learners, teachers, fellow Catalysts and community members.

We have many able up and coming and other already committed catalysts who are always ready to support the Spot. Currently, Ameyaw Spot has the strength of twenty Catalysts, with each Catalyst having a strand to work on.

On the part of the learners l have seen drastic change in their attitudes and behaviors. They now have a positive attitude towards their books, learning, themselves and others. They have also passed through a lot of activities like debate, dramatisation, poetry recitals, dancing, article writing, personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene, career awareness, sexual harassment, to mention but a few. We have been able to bring the community to the school through a lot of activities

I have also changed a lot through coming in contact with EduSpots. I have learnt to be receptive, tolerant, patient, and accepting. I now know how to use the internet frequently and how to use Canva for design work. I have also come to understand different behaviours and how to deal with situations that I found myself in. I have also realised that l need to acquire more knowledge and skills needed to manage together with other Catalysts Ameyaw Spot to become a more vibrant Spot where students can come and access knowledge and skills in a violence free environment where students can access knowledge without intimidation.

As long as l have life and good health, l will explore the possibilities in nurturing the learners wherever I find myself, in this community and the country at large. Long live EduSpots! Our Collective Future!!!

Janet Owusuaa Karikari

Ignite Equity Catalyst of the Year Spot Leader and Founder, Ameyaw Spot Ameyaw was one of 8 new Spots successfully inducted into the network in 2024.

2

Welcome Address

from EduSpots’ Chair of Trustees

EduSpots’ Chair of Trustees, Professor Gloria Agyemang

It was a privilege to take up the role of EduSpots’ Chair of Trustees in January 2024, and lead the trustee team in overseeing the governance of this transformative organisation having joined as a trustee in 2021. I would like to thank Cat Davison for her remarkable leadership of EduSpots’ trustee team since its UK registration in April 2016.

The 2023 year was a busy year for EduSpots, with the launch of the new Ignite Programme which trained over 250 Catalysts across 40 communities in EduSpots’ core ways of working, educational principles, and in safeguarding practices. The network was inspired by our partnership with Wanderlust Ghana in their 10,000km Drive for Digitalisation from Accra to London, which has enabled us to begin a vital digitalisation process across 2024 - as one Catalyst from Dulugu commented, ‘only 2 out of 20 girls in our Spot knew how to turn on a laptop’.

We are grateful for all the existing supporters and donors who continue to believe in our low-cost model for driving community-led change through education; do take a close read of the changes highlighted in this report - as you will see, your support is truly transforming lives across 50 underserved communities.

EduSpots’ trustees in 2023 were:

Gloria Agyemang Gayle Clifford Catherine Davison Mark Goodrich Adam Khanbhai Amjad Saleem

Catherine Davison stepped down as Chair of Trustees on 13 December 2023, handing this role to Professor Gloria Agyemang.

3

Welcome Address

from EduSpots’ Founder & Chief Executive Officer

EduSpots’ Founder / Chief Executive Officer Cat Davison

regional Ignite Academies enabled over 250 Catalysts to be connected, inspired and equipped to lead change, advancing the quality of educational opportunities of over 10,000 learners.

We also introduced two new learner strands: Ignite Girls, focusing on female empowerment, and EduKidz, offering early years education engagement. As is core to how we work in EduSpots, these introductions came at the request of the Catalysts, alongside ‘Spot Lead’ for Catalysts which aims to strengthen the Catalysts’ leadership capacity.

We are continuing to engage with Catalysts and wider stakeholders on EduSpots' future. In 2024-2025 we are consolidating our programmes and Spot model, embedding our EduSpots’ app and digitalisation process and ensuring that 50 Spots in Ghana are actively reflecting our model. We have also joined the Gratitude Network and Dovetail Impact Foundation’s accelerator programmes which offer scale-up curriculums, mentorship and wider support.

I would like to thank the staff team for all their creativity, problem-solving and dedication that have made EduSpots’ organizational transformation across the past few years possible.

Importantly, this report is dedicated to the commitment and vision of over 300 rural changemakers, a diverse and rich mix of teachers, students and community members who lead EduSpots’ work at a community level on an entirely voluntary basis. You are the inspiration of our work, and through EduSpots you are truly driving our vision of uniting to create the futures you want to see for your communities through education.

4

Key Charitable Information

Our Charitable Objects

To advance education throughout Africa and the UK by the provision of, but not limited to, providing educational courses, assisting in the operation of community-led education centres and providing grants to individuals to further education as trustees from time to time may determine.

Core Information

EduSpots is a UK Registered Charity 1186734

Our UK office is Flat 3, 20 Atlingworth Street, Brighton, Bn2 1PL.

Our website is www.eduspots.org and we use @eduspots on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin, with @edu_spots on Instagram

Our Bank

Wise Bank,

Our Trustees

6th Floor, TEA Building,

55 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JJ, United Kingdom

Our current trustees are:

Independent Examiner

approved by an Independent Examiner:

Shruti Soni Limited, 117a, St. Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, TN13 3PE

5

Our Theory of Change

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EDUSPOTS’ PROGRAMMES
with EduSpots’ app as key tool
Catalyse Leadership Inspire Mentoring Accelerate
Ignite Programme
Programme Programme Programme (Staff)
COMMUNITY OUTPUTS
Two Spot models; School-based and community-based
Quality learner clubs & Sustainable, safe &
activities collaborative education
spaces - ‘Spots’
EduKidz, Digilit, EcoSTEM, Ignite
Equity clubs, community-led Catalyst-led, supported with
activities and online courses context-relevant resources, Spot Lead
hub and mentorship
OUTCOMES
Learners advance their sustainable leadershipinterest in education and skills in literacy, teamwork, and community-connectedSchool-based teacher practical, inclusive & pedagogy is more teamwork skillsCatalysts gain optimism and confidence, Diverse actors are protected and included. involved,
SUSTAINED IMPACT
Students become Catalysts are
Community members Others adopt aspects
active citizens and the future Catalysts effective active global empathetic and citizens advance educational work together to community-driven of our
outcomes. model
VISION
A world in which communities unite to
create the sustainable futures they want to
see through education
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Who is involved?

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25 Staff & Interns (60% from Catalyst 7 Peer Mentors (100% from Catalyst 30 Catalyse participants 2000 Club members (aged 3−15)
backgrounds) backgrounds)
Catalysts Spot learners Wider community members
300 (community-based 10,000+ (All ages using 20,000+ (parents, religious leaders, local
volunteers: a mix of the Spot, 82% businesses, wider family
teachers, students & under 18) members, headteachers etc)
community members)
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6

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Dream Spot Model
This is the model all Spots are working towards
In 2024, EduSpots is working towards an aim of 50 active Spots, which are stretched across
15 regions of Ghana in underserved communities, with one international Spot in Kenya.
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•
Spot Leadership Community engagement and participation (locally, and in the
network)
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Delivered through the Spot Lead strand of Ignite and the • Core systems - including resource, financial & data management. Catalyse Leadership • Environmental sustainability Programme, intending to • Communication for change create a sustainable • community-led Spot Fundraising, enterprise & events • operational structure. Project design & implementation

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01
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•
Child safeguarding and protection Keeping Spots
• Safe
Rights and responsibilities of the child and
learners of all ages
Delivered through the Spot
•
Health, safety & promotion of well-being Lead strand of Ignite
02
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EduKidz (KG-Basic 3 learners)

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Educational Equity
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Delivered through the Ignite Programme. Note that Spot teams have to choose at minimum one learner strand, though many run all strands. All Spots engage in community-led activities and resource usage.

DigiLit (Basic 4−6 learners, with skills embedded in other age-specific clubs)

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03
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Community-led activities

EcoSTEM (Basic 7−9 learners)

Ignite Equity (Basic 8 learners)

During the Basic 9 year, we offer training to support learners in transitioning into Catalyst roles, including being reading buddies for EduKidz learners, mentors for the Ignite Equity strand, and EcoSTEM and DigiLit club champions.

7

11 Steps to the Dream Spot Model

01 Application & community Community-based teams apply to become a Spot via online form, interview and engagement: community visit, gaining an understanding of our ‘Dream Spot Model’ (3 elements: Spot Leadership, Keeping Spots Safe, and Educational Equity) and providing a space to house Spot activities and resources. 02 Team building: Selected teams engage community and local schools to create a Spot Committee comprising a range of local stakeholders and recruit further local Catalysts. 03 Induction: Teams enter a specific Spot and Catalyst induction process delivered through the Ignite Programme. This includes training, ongoing mentorship from regional coordinators, and a partnership agreement. At least one Spot Leader joins the Catalyse Leadership Programme. 04 Keeping Spots Safe: All Catalysts engage in safeguarding training, and roll this out at their Spots through engagements with learners, teachers and wider community members with resource support on promotion of safety and well-being. 05 Resources & technology: Teams are given devices loaded with EduSpots’ app and other digital resources, alongside books and strand-related resource kits once the probation period is passed. 06 Systems: Spots set up wider systems, using the app, including systems for finance, resource and Catalyst team management with environmental sustainability embedded into local and organisational ways of working. 07 Programme participation: Teams choose one or more education strands (from EduKidz, DigiLit, EcoSTEM & Ignite Equity) alongside Spot Lead challenges for Catalysts, engaging in WhatsApp communities of practice, in-person Academies and online workshops. 08 Communication: Spots are supported in setting up key communication channels to keep the Spot learners and wider community informed, including local WhatsApp groups, noticeboards, local social media accounts, and engaging community stakeholders. 09 Fundraising & enterprise: Spots identify ongoing costs considering aims for the future. They are supported in creating a local income generation and resource acquisition plan, with in-house opportunities to receive flexible grant funding for projects driving sustainable change. 10 Monitoring, learning & Alongside sending Spot information using the app as a tool, storytelling: Spots are supported in communicating their own impact, giving key information and updates to stakeholders and actively learning from the wider network of Spots and Catalysts. 11 Celebrating commitment & change: Spots, Catalysts and learners are recognised with monthly and annual awards with transformative stories of change and examples of educational outcomes shared across the network.

8

OUR GROWTH IN STATISTICS

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Activities 2022 2023 Percentage
Records Records Change
Communities submitting
15 32 113.3%
challenges
Total literacy activities 421 668 58.7%
Total EcoSTEM activities 225 269 19.6%
Other community-led
95 148 55.8%
activities
Number of recorded visits
7723 16788 117.4%
(children)
Number of recorded visits
1873 3235 72.7%
(adults)
Average days open / week 4.9 4.4 * 11.3%
Average evenings open /
3 3.4 13.3%
week
Number of active Spot
274 337 23.0%
volunteers
Recorded books borrowed 1343 2268 68.9%
Total funds raised by Spots (in
6468 10814 67.2%
Cedis)
Spot management
22 31 40.9%
committees established
Total organizational income £76,673 £171,416 123.57%
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NB We are working on our Spot data collection process as a priority in 2024 where we will ensure a complete data set and further processes for validation, with the EduSpots app launched as a key tool in this process. The above self-reported data does not include all the Spots - it represents 15-20 Spots who sent back the quarterly Spot information collection survey. Challenges in completing this survey include technical and data challenges, alongside a lack of a local system to collect the information effectively.

* This downward shift in average opening days statistics is due to changes seen within a widened data set with an increased number of Spots represented.

9

The core elements of the programme are:

Ignite PROGRAMME

The Ignite Programme ensures all volunteers (also called ‘Catalysts’ in EduSpots) understand our core ways of working and safeguarding practices, equipping them with the skills they need to lead sustainable change using their Spots as a vehicle for driving community-centred change through education.

Catalyse Leadership PROGRAMME

This programme aims to develop our most committed community volunteers with the skills and experience they need to move their Spots towards the ‘Dream Spot Model’ whilst developing their own skills as leaders. The programme involves:

Inspire Mentoring PROGRAMME

Those who successfully graduate from the Catalyse Leadership Programme can apply to be a peer mentor, joining the staff team on a 6−12 month internship, working alongside a staff member on a specific area of EduSpots’ work, receiving a small stipend.

10

Ignite PROGRAMME

The Ignite Programme launched in May 2023 has catalysed the reach and impact of EduSpots’ work, most notably by increasing participation in our education strands by over 100%, also enhancing the core functioning of the Spots, leading to a larger number of users, books borrowed, improved opening hours, local fundraising and community-led activities.

"My community’s awareness of the Spot has become tremendous, and learner numbers have increased considerably. The reading and writing skills of club members (which include other schools' members) have been improved as well as their creativity and ability to think critically in solving problems. Both genders now understand the idea of stereotypes and its implications, child protection and safeguarding and the better ways of using the library and the strands of lessons to better their education.”

(Franklin, Catalyst, Abofour Spot)

Headline Statistics

What does the Ignite Programme involve?

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01 02 03 04 05
Regional Resource Monthly Online WhatsApp
academies kits challenges workshops community
Peer & staff Grant National Graduation
mentorship funding conference
06 07 08 09
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147

258

437

1788

Catalysts formally passed phase 1 of the Ignite Programme, 70 at merit level, and 17 at distinction, with tight requirements for certification.

Volunteers completed the 3−day Ignite Academies, held in Tamale, Akumadan, Elmina, Ho and online.

Total project-based learning ‘challenges’ have been submitted by communities

Learners participated in clubs across EduLit, EduKidz, EcoSTEM & Ignite Girls, with close to 20,000 Spot learner visits tracked.

Estimated total number of learners of all ages using the Spots annually.

10,000+

11

Changes on Communities

The changes I have observed are students' willingness and readiness to learn, community acceptance of the importance of education and EduSpots’ works and learners' commitments in educative activities.

These changes are important as they made a positive impact on the lives of students and the wider community. Community members prioritise education rather than involving students in agricultural activities.

Most students are now confident when speaking in public, using their voices when necessary and participating in advocacy campaigns to fight for their rights and the rights of vulnerable groups.

form of participatory monitoring and evaluation.

It involves the collection and selection of stories of change, produced by programme stakeholders, following an inductive approach that enables participants to define the areas of change, rather than being presented with a range of predefined areas to discuss.

Zainab Yussif, Nkonya Spot

created in your community this year as an EduSpots’ volunteer?

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||| |---|---| |Menstrual hygiene management and| |3| |destigmatisation| |Improved reading skills|3| |Improved exam results|1| |Increased school attendance|2| |Greater community engagement and| |7| |connections| |Breaking generational poverty/inequality|1| |Development of child protection and| |1| |safeguarding knowledge| |Greater understanding of career opportunities|5| |Helping children realise their potential|1|

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12

I observed tolerance, unity , passion, play, and empathy or care for others in volunteers enrolled on Ignite. These behaviours % or characteristics observed in volunteers were significant 29 because the combined action of the volunteers promoted effective and efficient running of the Spot's activities.

cited increased confidence as a key change in themselves

Kwabena Ahenkan Joseph Catalyst, Techiman Ameyaw Spot

observed this year upon you as a result of being an EduSpots volunteer enrolled on Ignite?

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||| |---|---| |Improved personal well-being & health|3| |Greater community engagement and connections|5| |Breaking generational poverty/inequality|1| |More informed career choices|1| |Increased motivation to learn|5| |Increased confidence|10| |Improved academic performance|4| |Improved leadership skills|3| |Development of child protection and safeguarding| |3| |knowledge| |Improved working relationships with volunteers|4|

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13

A Case Study: Zangbalun Spot

Zangbalun Spot (Northern Ghana) was one of seven Spots who successfully joined EduSpots from May 2023, moving through a Spot induction process after a formal application process.

successfully, and have also received support with the renovation of this building.

The most significant impact created in Zangbalun is that the Spot is bringing back the love for education. Before the establishment of the various clubs, the children were giving up on education with numerous challenges. Some of these challenges included lack of knowledge on the importance of education, low literacy skills, lack of learning resources, limited knowledge on career guidance and self-care etc. But with the introduction of the various clubs with monthly challenges, children are beginning to realize their potential."

"The most significant change of being an Ignite volunteer is that I am now making sure that I engage all stakeholders involved to be involved in the Spot’s activities. This has increased in me the spirit of volunteering because I see that through giving back to the society that made me, my leadership skills have exponentially increased and I'm ready to do more to make sure that the Spot succeeds even in my absence.

Abdul-Malik Iddrisu, Catalyst, Zangbalun Spot

14

Ignite 1 PROGRAMME

Ignite Regional Academies

"I have learnt so many things but what mostly inspired me most is hearing that we shouldn't underestimate ourselves for anything. We will plan together and try to focus on achieving our goals as Spots, for my community and for the entire world."

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Catalyst, Akumadan Spot
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Between 28th April and 21st May 2023, 258 volunteers completed the Ignite Academies, held in Tamale, Akumadan, Elmina, Ho and online. The Academy training stretched across EduSpots’ ways of working, safeguarding and protection, introductions to the 4 learner strands and Spot operations.

education as a result of attending this conference.” 94% strongly agreed.

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+13
+11
+10 +10
+6
+5.6 +5.9 +5.7 +5.3
+3.5 +3.2 +3.3
+2.2 +2.4
+0.8 +0.8
Tamale Akumadan Elmina Ho
Active
Teamwork Self-efficacy Citizenship
listening
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Over 100 Catalysts were surveyed, using Impact Ed validated surveys where learners were asked a set of questions for each measure, evaluating change over time. See ImpactEd report for further information.

15

Ignite 2 PROGRAMME

Strands for Learners

As part of the Ignite Programme, Catalyst teams have the opportunity to choose 1−4 education strands to run with learners at the Spot, supported with monthly resource packs and wider mentorship and training sessions.

1 5 EDULIT IGNITE SPOT OPS PROGRAMME STRANDS

2 4 ECOSTEM EDUKIDZ 3 IGNITE GIRLS

The monthly challenges programme is very helpful for the following reasons; it keeps the volunteer and club members active all the time; it broadens the knowledge of volunteers and learners as they research for answers; it provides everyone a platform to think critically. collaborate and communicate effectively, be creative and innovative and find solutions to problems; it enhanced teamwork and mutual respect.

Catalyst, Sakasaka Spot

How do our strands work?

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01 02 03 04
In-person ignite Support from Monthly
academy training staff member Resource team-based
boxes challenge
& peer mentor
launched
Personalised
feedback & WhatsApp Online
certificates community workshops
05 06 07
Friendly Spot
competition Visits
08 09
Graduation
events
10
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16
Ignite
PROGRAMME
2
1 5 Strands for learners
EDULIT IGNITE SPOT
PROGRAMME OPS
STRANDS
2 4
ECOSTEM EDUKIDZ
3
IGNITE
GIRLS
The EduLit strand works with
Junior High School (JHS)
learners to promote creativity,
active citizenship, critical
thinking skills, whilst
developing core literacy Being
competencies. in the literacy club
90% strongly
has made a positive agreed
change in me.
Communities
18
participating
‘I am
now confident’ / my
literacy skills have
Learners participating, Most
472 JHS 1−3 common improved.
responses
Impact Ed Quantitative Study
Outcome (from
May 2023 to +8.2%
December 2023)
+3.8% +3.2% Sample size of 64
+1.5% students, from May
2023 - December
2023 using Impact
Interest in Metacognition School Teamwork Ed validated
reading for engagement
surveys.
pleasure
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17

Example of challenge

Kalpohin Spot’s EduLit club members with Catalysts

Key learnings:

We will continue to work with Spots to formalise the EduLit Club model, establishing key ways of working including regular meeting times, with a EduLit handbook.

We will rename EduLit as Digilit with a plan to more formally integrate digital skills into the curriculum.

We will continue to embed critical thinking skills more formally into the programme in 2024 to meet the programme objectives. This will include months looking at critical reasoning, alongside introducing debates, and advancing the quality of reflection.

We will continue to build a bank of resources to give volunteers ideas and examples of how to lead the clubs beyond the core monthly challenges.

Requests from learners:

Keep literacy challenges interesting; provide more resources; we should meet more often; we should include film shows.

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18
Ignite
PROGRAMME
1 5
EDULIT IGNITE SPOT
PROGRAMME OPS
STRANDS
2 4
ECOSTEM EDUKIDZ
3
IGNITE
GIRLS
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Key Statistics

Learners Communities 15 223 participating, participating JHS 1−3

The EcoSTEM strand works with JHS learners to promote practical science and environmental education, with a focus on teamwork and inspiring curiosity.

We have partnered with a range of local STEM organisations who have supported the creation of challenges, and given wider additional training to volunteers.

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87%
strongly
agreed
It has Most
helped me to 12 common
responses
understand scientific
concepts
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90%
strongly
agreed
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Impact Ed Quantitative Study

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Outcome (from
May 2023 to
December 2023)
+5.2% +5.4%
+1.5%
Interest in School Emotional
reading for engagement engagement in
pleasure maths and science
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Sample size of 68 students, using Impact Ed software and validated surveys.

19

Monthly Challenges

87% of learners strongly agreed

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Which monthly Rocket 16
challenge did you find Challenge
most interesting ?
Fibonacci
15
Sequence challenge
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A challenge example, created in partnership with FemAfricMaths:

Key learnings:

Develop further practical science resources to create an online resource hub, enabling EcoSTEM volunteers to lead a wider range of activities across the month. Continue to develop strategies to promote the active sharing of resources between volunteers.

Ensure formal EcoSTEM clubs are established that match with agreed objectives and ways of working, with challenges reaching targeted age groups. Create an EcoSTEM handbook to ensure further development of the ways of working of EcoSTEM clubs in this process.

Continue to work with a range of local STEM & sustainability partners (with an increased focus on environmental sustainability), therefore injecting a wide range of training facilitators into the EcoSTEM hub, working collaboratively with actors in Ghana in this process.

Pupil requests for improving activities:

More practical tools; more science kits; more practical challenges.

20

Ignite PROGRAMME

This programme was created at the strong request of Spot communities, and pioneered by a working group of volunteers who designed the monthly themes and programme structure. Volunteers worked with students in Junior High 2 to pair them with a local female mentor, and join bi-monthly Ignite Girls Club sessions. Key to the programme was a certain level of flexibility to allow communities to design their own activities that related to the context, needs and aspirations of the community.

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1 5
EDULIT IGNITE SPOT
PROGRAMME OPS
STRANDS
2 4
ECOSTEM EDUKIDZ
3
IGNITE
GIRLS
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Key Statistics

Communities 23 participating

Learners participating, JHS 1−3

538

Key Themes

01

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Communication
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02

03

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04
Sustainable
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05 06
Sexual abuse Reflection
and and
harassment graduation
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ImpactEd Quantitative Study

Example challenge

Students created petitions, asking community members to sign to indicate their support of a campaign against sexual harassment.

Outcome (from May 2023 to December 2023)

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+2.2%
+1%
Interest in reading School
for pleasure engagement
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Sample size of 71 students, from May 2023 - December 2024 using Impact Ed validated surveys.

21

Sustainable Period Projects

Grant funding was given for Spots to implement sustainable period solutions involving enterprise or creating reusable pad workshops, alongside graduation events and careers workshops.

In total: 23,069 cedis was given towards sustainable period projects, and 4400 cedis for graduation events.

As part of the programme, students learnt about the concept of social entrepreneurship, and using these skills, analyzed the nature of period poverty and stigmatization in their communities. Following this, they were given up to 1000 cedis to develop a sustainable period project, which enabled girls to stay in school during their period, long into the future.

“Being in the Ignite Girls club has made a positive change in me.” (90% strongly agreed, sample of 91 learners). Sample of reasons given:

"It makes have the confidence to talk when I see something wrong"

Case study: Ahenkro Spot developed their own brand of sobolo (a fruit juice) which they are selling to create a sustainable stock of both disposable and reusable sanitary pads, alongside leading a community event to raise awareness and promote destigmatisation in the community.

"I now know more about my personal hygiene and the menstrual cycle"

"My perception about being a girl has changed because at first girls were taught not to speak when men are talking"

Key learnings:

In 2024, at the request of the communities, the programme will transition to’ Ignite Equity’ and more clearly involve boys in solving gender-based challenges.

We will continue to allow flexibility for communities to adapt the activities, relating to their own context, and bringing in their own ideas.

Many clubs will empower learners who graduated in 2023 to act as mentors for the 2024 cohort

Key requests from the students:

More sanitary pads; to empower other students.

22

Ignite PROGRAMME

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1 5
EDULIT IGNITE SPOT
PROGRAMME OPS
STRANDS
2 4
ECOSTEM EDUKIDZ
3
IGNITE
GIRLS
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Through school and community-based EduKidz clubs, we support local volunteers in Spots with essential training that equips them to provide a variety of play-based literacy activities in areas pertaining to reading, writing, speaking and comprehension.

We are also committed to working with our volunteers to create local, and culturally relevant resources that support the delivery of the programme.

Key Statistics

23 Communities 538 Learners participating, participating JHS 1−3

Key Themes

----- Start of picture text -----
01 02 03 04 05 06
Incorporating art in early years Reading aloud Early childhood Animals in our Emotion and Manners, love and
education skills space set-ups environment self-regulation friendship
----- End of picture text -----

23

ASER Score Analysis:

Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) literacy scores: The ASER reading assessment tool consists of four levels: letters, words, a short paragraph and a longer "story". The child is marked at the highest level which they can do comfortably. The tests were conducted on a sample of 80 students.

71.25% of students increased their literacy score over a 9 month period by 1, 2 or more levels

----- Start of picture text -----
45
56.25% 3
20
12 3.75%
25% 15%
Maintained level Improved level Significantly Reduced in
Improved (2 or score
more levels)
----- End of picture text -----

Key learnings:

EduKidz strand will become a Introduce differentiated Increase early-year wider early years programme, learning and instruction education resources by focused on Kindergarten to for the monthly building the EduKidz Primary 3, with a clearer challenges to enable resource hub. certificated professional kindergarten and lower development programme for primary to access them. volunteers developed, including a 6 hour beginners’ phonics training course.

24

----- Start of picture text -----
1 5
EDULIT IGNITE SPOT
PROGRAMME OPS
STRANDS
2 4
ECOSTEM EDUKIDZ
3
IGNITE
GIRLS
----- End of picture text -----

Ignite PROGRAMME

The most significant change I have observed in the introduction of Ignite is each volunteer was assigned a specific role to play and so all volunteers were active throughout the year.

Barikisu Yakubu Catalyst, Savelugu Spot

The Spot Ops programme aimed to work with volunteers to improve their leadership, entrepreneurship and community engagement competencies, whilst advancing all the core systems of the Spots.

The monthly themes were: team building and management, fundraising and entrepreneurship, partnerships development, Spot promotion and communication, resource management and environmental sustainability.

Communities participating in Catalyst-led activities

22

Spot Ops is being rebranded as ‘Spot Lead’ enabling the volunteers to more clearly see the impact of this programme upon their wider leadership skills, rather than purely focusing on the Spot’s operations. This will be in part integrated with the new Catalyse Leadership Programme.

We have recruited a new Leadership Programmes Coordinator to give dedicated time to producing resources to support leadership competencies and Spot development resources. Regular workshops with external specialist resource personnel will be a core part of this, integrated with our existing Ignite Talks programme.

This strand will become compulsory for all Spots, due to its vital role in both volunteer capacity building and in Spot development.

25

Ignite Flexible grant funding 3 PROGRAMME for renovations or furniture

Across the period, the following grants were awarded, following an application process where communities had to demonstrate the sustainability of the impact of suggested expenditure.

The sustainable items included: tablets, chairs, book shelves, book boxes, solar power, electricity connection, faulty switches, bulbs, doors, noticeboards, roof repairs, painting, floor tiles, doors, window security, and projectors.

Ekoso, Takuve, Sakasaka, Dulugu, Joska GHS 8,900.00

April - June GHS Savelugu, Ahenkro, Kotokoli Zongo, July - Zangbalun, Atsata-Bame, Kalpohin, GHS 28,335.00 September Sefwi Nkonya, Asemkow, Abofour, Ejura, Bimbilla & Atanve Abofour, Kotokoli Zongo, Zangbalun, Akumadan, Metsrikasa, Posmonu, October - GHS 33,640.00 December Nkonya, Sakasaka, Joska, Dulugu, & Ahenkro

Abofour Spot

We are very happy that you people have provided us with furniture and ceiling fan. At first, the library was in a very poor condition. Because when we came to the library, some of us will not get a place to sit and those who would get a place to sit will be complaining of feeling intense heat but now we have enough furniture and a new ceiling fan. Thank you Eduspots.

26

Nkonya Spot, Western Region

Having the library has ignited the 'learning spirits' of students and their passion to access information. Going forward, the library will not only have a great impact on students and community members in Nkonya, but it will also benefit people in neighbouring communities.

Zainab Yussif, Catalyst, Nkonya

Dulugu Spot, Northern Region

The grant has really made usage of the library interesting and easy through our Spot maintenance upgrade with more logistics. The ceiling fans have enabled students to use the spot without having to fan themselves due to the usual heat or warm temperature of our locality. Now about 40 students can sit comfortably and read. It used not to take up to 40 learners, not because the space in the Spot was small but it was because of the unbearable warmness of the place.

Again, a big marker board and notice board were made through the grant. This has enabled easy use of projectors without looking for cloth to make it visible. Our participation in the monthly challenges would improve as we can explain the contents clearly and discuss it on the board.

Mohammed Fuseini, Project Lead, Dulugu Spot

27

Ignite PROGRAMME

4 Resource support

Across all our resources we have a focus on purchasing books by local authors, alongside relevant curriculum-specific text books, alongside printing our own in-house ‘Kwame’s Adventures’ series which features stories from the Spots, told by volunteers.

If we want to encourage pupils to read then we need to give them books that mirror their worlds and capture their interest.

Adam Nabila, Catalyst, Kalpohin Spot & Spot Coordinator, Northern Region

Books given out

EduLit & EduKidz resource kits given out

EcoSTEM kits Copies of Volunteer EduSpots given out Kwame’s handbooks & stickers Adventures safeguarding distributed posters

152/154 128/154 99[%]

83[%]

pupils surveyed use the library once a week or more.

pupils surveyed indicated that they borrowed books from the library.

28

Ignite PROGRAMME

5 Ignite Talks

“These talks gave a viewpoint of Spot activities, the hidden merits of volunteering, how to maintain the Spot and engagement of the community members. Personally, the talk on finance sharpened my perspective and made me handle my Spot finance with much care and strategy.

Frank, Catalyst, Akumadan Spot

Across 2023, we ran 14 Ignite talks with a range of external guest speakers aiming to strengthen the capacity of volunteers, whilst enabling a wider audience to access our online training opportunities.

A total of 214 volunteers and external guests attended these sessions.

These talks are placed on YouTube and across our social media feeds, with 232 subscribers to the channel so far.

The most popular talk was with author and development specialist Cormac Russell, which saw an attendance of over 40 individuals joining a discussion on connecting communities.

29

Ignite PROGRAMME

6 National Conference

100% 67% Agreed or Strongly strongly Agreed agreed

Volunteering with a growth mindset has helped to develop a positive attitude towards my spirit of volunteerism. It has highly encouraged me to be bold, confident and well organised in all my doings regarding leading a team.

(EduSpots’ Catalyst)

“‘Fundraising sessions impacted on me the knowledge and skill to write and seek for funding. With this impact I can now seek funding from the stakeholders in my community as well as organisations and industries in my community.

(EduSpots’ Catalyst)

The national conference was held in Accra from the 4−6th January, with 80 selected Catalysts invited, after gaining merit and distinction in the Ignite Programme.

The training stretched across themes relating to team building, values, leading interactive education sessions and safeguarding. The Catalysts were also consulted on EduSpots’ medium term strategic plan.

Feedback on the conference:

"This conference has inspired me to lead further change in my community."

100% 67% Agreed or Strongly strongly agreed agreed

"I made new friends and connections at the conference who I will keep in touch with."

100% 60% Agreed or Strongly strongly agreed agreed

100% 60% Agreed or Strongly strongly agreed agreed

“The training sessions were engaging.”

“The training sessions were relevant to me and my Spot’s context.’

100% 53.3% Agreed or Strongly strongly agreed agreed

30

Ignite 7 Graduation event PROGRAMME

----- Start of picture text -----
Catalysts passed phase 1 of 87 Catalysts passing with merit and distinction
114 the Ignite Programme were invited to our first national conference in
Accra which culminated in an awards night at the
University of Ghana with Professor Elsie Kauffman
at merit level as guest speaker.
70
distinction
17
----- End of picture text -----

Which element of the Ignite programme did you find most helpful?

----- Start of picture text -----
Regional Academy 14%
Monthly challenges 19%
10%
Staff support
Ignite talks 14%
Peer mentor 5%
Staff support 10%
Grant support 19%
Community support 10%
----- End of picture text -----

31

The Inspire Mentoring Programme

Peer mentors became the shoulders Catalysts can lean on for their respective strand assistance. Most difficult activities that stop many Spots from functioning effectively were made easier and more simple due to the availability of peer mentors.

In 2023 we introduced, trained and coached 9 peer mentors, who play a supportive role to staff managing the various strands in the following areas: Edulit, EduKidz, EcoSTEM, Ignite Girls, Spot Ops, Communications, Ambassadors.

(EduSpots’ Catalyst)

One Catalyst affirmed that ‘“peer mentors empowered their peers, fostered personal growth, and promoted a sense of community and support.”

4 Peer Mentors passed the programme at distinction level, with 2 gaining merit, 3 at a pass level which involved meeting our strict professional requirements in the role, and attending a monthly professional development programme. Two dropped out of the

programme due to incompatibility with their wider working commitments, and were replaced.

Yahya Seidu (pictured) progressed from a role as Peer Mentor (Spot Operations), into the staff team as Regional Coordinator (Middle Region).

Impact on Peer Mentors

the Peer Mentor Programme."

"I have gained professional understanding and skills that will be valuable to me in my future career as a result of the Peer Mentoring Programme."

----- Start of picture text -----
100%
Strongly agreed
100%
Strongly agreed
----- End of picture text -----

"I feel more motivated to lead change in my community and beyond as a result of the Peer Mentoring Programme."

100% 86% Agree Strongly Agree

"I felt strongly supported by my manager throughout the programme."

----- Start of picture text -----
100%
Strongly agreed
----- End of picture text -----

32

A Case Study: Hamdiyatu Tunteeya Sadik, Hamdia: Kalpohin Catalyst and UDS student

Key learnings:

Her Role:

I engaged and inspired Catalysts with ideas to have active and interesting EduLit sessions. I did check in calls with volunteers for feedback and challenges which I conveyed to my line manager. I supported in organising and participating in the monthly training on zoom of which records high participation and turnouts of volunteers. I supported filling up the Ignite tracking document.

Impact on the network:

Being a peer mentor over the period, I have contributed to supporting Catalysts in driving change at their Spots. There has been a rise in volunteer participation in EduLit activities and monthly challenges. Through the peer mentorship engagements, some inactive Spots have become active eg. Abofour Spot, and I have also supported new Spots with ideas to lead effective literacy sessions at their spots.

The Peer Mentors for Spot Operations have progressed into new staff roles, regional coordinators, with one staff member supporting a cluster of 10−15 Spots.

Peer Mentors will be brought together on a monthly basis to reflect on their progress and share learnings as a group.

Peer Mentors will be given further enhanced professional development training at the beginning of the programme to ensure EduSpots’ core ways of working are met.

Impact on Hamdia:

I have acquired sufficient experience regarding remote working which I believe will positively impact me. I have encountered many challenges through the period and through the advice of my manager and the capacity building by EduSpots, I am more able to navigate some of these challenges. I have had to learn more to be patient in dealing with people, especially volunteers and how to engage effectively to get things done.

33

Keeping Spots Safe

In 2023, EduSpots rolled out a comprehensive ‘Keeping Spots Safe’ strategy. This included:

----- Start of picture text -----
94%
Strongly
agreed
----- End of picture text -----

In 2024, EduSpots is extensively reviewing and strengthening its “Keeping Spots Safe’ work, working with Ghana Education Services and other organizations in the process.

34

Regional Coordinators

of our regional coordinator 75% team come from Spot Catalyst backgrounds.

In 2023, we further developed our staff team to include four regional coordinators who dedicate 16 hours a week to offering tailored mentorship to a region of Spots, with structured monthly meetings with Spot teams.

Three out of four of our regional coordinators (captured) have progressed through from our volunteer network, thus having strong ground level experience of the workings of the Spot Model. Seidu (captured, right), has progressed through the Community Leadership in Education and Peer Mentorship Programme, into the role of regional coordinator.

Spot Learning Visits

Spot learning visits were taken to each community at least once during the six month Ignite period, with a focus on learning from Catalysts’ work, as much as giving feedback and monitoring key aspects of our work such as safeguarding systems, pedagogical quality, and Spot systems.

In total, 82 Spot learning visits took place across the network in 2023, with a focus on learning from community activities and approaches, alongside monitoring key aspects of our collective work and observing club pedagogy.

35

Staff Professional Development

EduSpots’ staff team is in itself a leadership development hub, with over 60% of our staff team transitioning from Spot volunteer backgrounds.

In 2023, we recognised the need to bring in a dedicated staff member, a Head of Staff and Professional Development, to offer additional human resources support, alongside working with the CEO and the Head of Development, on an in-house professional development programme.

Across 2023, we ran a six-week leadership training programme, open to all staff, alongside bringing staff together for monthly professional development sessions, drawing from needs identified including monitoring and evaluation, communication skills, IT skills, time management, and promoting well-being.

Staff Training Academy

residential staff training Academy in our Elmina Training Centre in November 2024, which was attended by 20 staff in total for a range of sessions across strategic planning, IT skills, staff planning time and leadership development.

Staff profile case study: Lawrence Dankwah

We are proud of the achievements of all our staff, who work incredibly hard to drive forward the impact in their particular areas, whilst developing themselves as professionals, educators and changemakers.

As one example of staff growth, Lawrence Dankwah joined EduSpots as a volunteer in the EduLit Hub in 2020, having initially taken EduSpots’ online course in global development as a classroom teacher. He went on to found a Spot in Dichemso, Kumasi, ahead of joining as our Literacy Clubs Coordinator in 2021. In 2022, he gained a full Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to study an MSc Education for Sustainable Futures in Adults, Youth & Community contexts at Glasgow University, UK, gaining a distinction. In 2023, he returned to EduSpots as our Education and Research Manager, bringing his experience of the Spot context into a leadership role.

residential staff training Academy in our Elmina Training Centre in November 2024, which was attended by 20 staff in total for a range of sessions across strategic planning, IT skills, staff planning time and leadership development.

36

Elmina Spot & EduSpots’ Training Centre

In November 2023, the traditional leaders in Dwira Akyinim commissioned Elmina Spot, otherwise known as Dwira Akyinim Community Library, which also doubles as EduSpots training centre for staff and volunteers across the network.

“From where we have started and where we have got to, we are so amazed by the impact we are now seeing. We started in a small shop, where we were running STEM and literacy programmes for young learners in Elmina. We hope that this centre will be a resource space for the whole community, with some amazing resources to enable them to upgrade their education level.”

Benjamin Aikins, EduSpots’ Catalyst, Elmina

The new space, which is built on land donated by the community, includes learning spaces for adults and children of all ages, with books appropriate to all age groups. It is also equipped with flexible IT stations, with plans to equip the space with IT facilities over time.

The Spot was constructed in partnership with We-Building, an organisation supporting sustainable architecture projects. The Spot is run by solar power, has natural ventilation, and is designed to endure over time. It is also raised from the ground, to ensure the building is not affected by local flooding, with plans for further development of the downstairs space over time.

37

Wider Educational Reach

Online Courses

The EduSpots online courses introduced me to a new way of thinking that was more fair… from the first post I was exposed to philosophical ideas I’d never heard of before.

UK Student, London

EduSpots’ online courses have run since 2018, with a focus on critical and empathetic reflection on key themes in global development, social entrepreneurship and leadership, with a particular focus on using postcolonial thinking as a critical lens.

----- Start of picture text -----
2 43 22
Social entrepreneurship Sessions Completed With Distinction
2 31 13
Global development Sessions Completed With Distinction
1 1 1
Postcolonial perspectives Sessions Completed With Distinction
----- End of picture text -----

In 2023, out of the 337 participants who registered for the courses, 96 started the courses in the first week.

Q3. Which of the following applies to you?

----- Start of picture text -----
Students (Ages 13−18) 10%
Higher Education 59%
Teacher 32%
Community Member 9%
----- End of picture text -----

Q4. Are you an EduSpots volunteer? Yes I’m a Spot Volunteer 28% Yes I’m an EduSpots Vol. 3% Yes I’m an International V 0% No 13% No, but I would be 55%

38

Ambassadors’ Networks

Across 2023, we have run two Ambassadors’ Networks: the Student Ambassadors Network (for U18s) and the Youth Ambassadors Network (for over 18s). The purpose of these networks is to bring together a wider group of support for EduSpots, leveraging their own communities to raise funds, resources and wider opportunities for EduSpots.

In the process, we aim to drive further understanding of our model for community-led change, promote understanding of critical themes in development education in the process, and strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of Ambassadors.

----- Start of picture text -----
'It has
opened my eyes to
new perspectives and
issues in the world.'
----- End of picture text -----

Student Ambassadors

'I really enjoyed this lead component because it put me out of my comfort zone and I learnt many new skills as organising a full fundraiser is something I had never done before. I was also very passionate about the cause and knew the money we raised would be very useful.'

36 students joined the programme from 4 UK schools (which launched in its current form in September 2023) with 2 graduating at silver level, one at gold, and one at bronze, reflecting their impact and engagement.

Youth Ambassadors

39 students joined the programme in 2023 with 30% highly active, and engaged in a variety of ways, with impact mostly related to advocacy and communication support. The programme has been redesigned for 2024, with a stronger international reach and focus on resource acquisition and fundraising.

“Ever since joining EduSpots, I have loved the model and approach used by EduSpots. Development of the people by the people with the people and for the people is how I will put it. I have personally improved by skills, knowledge and impact through EduSpots online courses and ambassador weekly activities.

Wider School Partnerships

We have continued our impactful partnerships with Sevenoaks School, where the EduLit team have continued to support the literacy programme with resources, fundraising and ideas, and Wellington College, where the EcoSTEM group have supported our practical science work. Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form launched a partnership with Zangbalun Spot, raising funds in support of their Spot’s renovation.

39

Drive for Digitalisation: Looking Ahead

Background

As a grassroots network with limited resources we initially focused on resourcing the Spots with books, including our own in-house range of storybooks that reflect the local communities that we work with.

In 2023, we decided to work on a campaign to digitalise our Spots and learning environments, focusing on acquiring tablets for the learners to access a wider range of e-books, using existing apps, such as Worldreader, that already house books by local authors alongside curriculum specific text books.

App Development

Launch of Catalyse Leadership Academy in 2024

In April 2024, we launched our EduSpots app with thanks to the Gower Street Trust and Engagedu that enables volunteers to access our training programmes and effectively run the clubs session, featuring profiles for Spots and volunteers with recognition systems, alongside providing key tools to enable Spots to track aspects like Spot users, book borrowing and financial management.

We launched the trial of the app and tablets at the Catalyst Leadership Academy in April 2024 with a Digital Skills Day, as part of the new Catalyse Leadership Programme.

each for use at their Spot, with 10 Spots receiving laptops, and received training on using the EduSpots’ app, alongside wider digital skills training relating to operations and education.

Wanderlust campaign:

In summer 2023, we worked with with Kwabena Ayirebe and Wanderlust Ghana, who were embarking on a 10,000km journey from Accra to London, and created the concept of a ‘Drive for Digitalisation’ highlighting the differences in digital learning opportunities between rural and urban areas. After featuring on BBC news and the campaign trending more widely across Ghana, we were able to raise $20,000 to support tablet procurement, training and wider costs.

40

Partnerships & Fundraising

EduSpots has a remarkable community of support, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made a contribution towards our vision of #OurCollectiveFuture in 2023 and beyond

Thank you to the support we have received from many schools who have participated in our online courses, or supported our work through partnership projects or fundraising. In particular, we would like to thank students and staff at the following schools:

Thank you to all donors and contribution organizations; we’d particularly like to thank the following partners and organizations for their significant support in 2023:

With thanks to all the trusts and foundations who supported our work in 2023, including those listed here:

41

Independent Examiners’ Report

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on page 42 and 43.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Shruti Soni FCCA FCIE Date: 30/10/2024

117a St. John’s Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE

42

Financial Reports

1166734
01-01-23
31-12-23
EduSpots
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
To		 1166734
01-01-23
31-12-23
EduSpots
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
To		 1166734
01-01-23
31-12-23
EduSpots
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
To		 1166734
01-01-23
31-12-23
EduSpots
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
To		 1166734
01-01-23
31-12-23
EduSpots
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
To		 1166734
01-01-23
31-12-23
EduSpots
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
To		 1166734
01-01-23
31-12-23
EduSpots
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
To		 CC16a
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from		 01-01-23 To
Sec�on A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
£
A1 Receipts
Grants
52,493
Dona�ons
4,727
Fundraising
2,734
Courses / curriculum
225
Sub total(Gross income for AR)60,179
Total receipts 60,179
A3 Payments		 Restricted
funds
£
72,128
-
39,108
-
111,236
111,236		 Endowment
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total funds
£
124,621
4,727
41,842
225
171,415
171,415		 Last year
£
46,305
19,591
8,527
2,250
76,673
76,673

Ignite, Catalyse and Peer Mentoring
programmes		 23,375
354
11,917
2,652
-
1,054
2,563
259
1,050
17,933
568
414
368
720
1,404
16		 41,915 - 65,290 34,948
Building and Furnishing Libraries 24,045 - 24,399 14,271
Project & Programme Delivery - - 11,917 1,518
Online Courses & School Partnerships - - 2,652 3,361
Literacy Resources & Distribu�on 9,280 - 9,280 1,000
Fundraising - - 1,054 501
Travel - - 2,563 6,067
Media, Marke�ng & IT - - 259 144
Monitoring & Evalua�on 1,590 - 2,640 1,584
Consultancy costs 600 - 18,533 5,332
Recruitment - - 568 471
Insurance - - 414 401
Trustee & Volunteer training expenses - - 368 -
Independent Examina�on Fee - - 720 684
Just Giving / Big Give fees - - 1,404 122
Bank charges - - 16 72
Sub total 64,647
Totalpayments 64,647
Net of receipts/(payments)
- 4,468
A5 Transfers between funds
- 2,474
A6 Cash funds lastyear end
26,362
Cash funds this year end
19,420		 77,430
77,430
33,806
2,474
14,129
50,409		 -
-
-
-
-
-		 142,077
142,077
29,338
-
40,491
69,829		 70,476
70,476
6,197
-
34,294
40,491

43

Sec�on B Statement of assets and liabili�es at the end of the period

Categories (agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Total cash funds
Details
Bank account		 (agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Total cash funds
Details
Bank account		 Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
19,420
19,420
OK		 Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
19,420
19,420
OK		 Restricted
funds
to nearest £
50,409
50,409
OK		 Restricted
funds
to nearest £
50,409
50,409
OK		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £
B1 Cash funds -
-
OK
Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Endowment
funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets Gi� aid claim receivable 4,695 - -
Big give funds related to 2023 campaign
received in Jan 2024		 3,910 - -
Other debtors 275 - -
Details Fund to which
liability relates		 Amount due
(op�onal)		 When due
(op�onal)
B5 Liabili�es Accruals Unrestricted 6,171

Grant payments

Designated Income

Payments for Ignite, Catalyse and Peer Mentoring programmes, Building & Furnishing Libraries and Literacy Resources & Distribution include £95,794 (2022: £35,948) grants paid to EduSpots Ghana, an independent NGO in Ghana registered in 2019.

In 2022, Unrestricted fundraising income included £2,500 designated by the trustees for literacy resources. The funds were carried forward to 2023 and have been fully spent.

Related Party Transactions

the year (2022: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2022: £nil).

No trustees were reimbursed any expenses incurred in relation to their duties as trustees (2022: nil).

During the year, a board member who was a trustee until 13 December 2023, made a restricted donation of £5000 (2022: trustees made unrestricted donations of £16,000) to the charity. There are no donations from related parties outside the normal course of the charity business.

Due to severe banking challenges in UK, funds totaling £95,794 have been transferred to Eduspots Ghana using personal bank accounts of the Chief Executive Officer and one trustee. This has been fully documented, approved and only done when there was no other option. This issue was resolved in 2024.

Signed by one or two Signature Print Name Date of approval
trustees on behalf of
all the trustees		 Gloria Agyemang 24−Oct-24

44

Statement of Public Benefit

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing their aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives of the charity.

The trustees aim to hold 3 months of direct charitable expenditure as reserves, which allow the charity to work efficiently and meet the needs of its members and activity participants. The unrestricted funds available to the charity as of 31 December 2023 were £19,420 (2022: £26,362). The funds were carried forward to be spent in future years. The Trustees aim to improve the reserves level by 31 December 2024.

Financial review

Going Concern

The charity’s total receipts during the year were £171,415 (2022: £76,673) of which £60,179 (2022: £55,368) were unrestricted and £111,236 (2022: £21,305) were restricted, Total payments were £142,077 (2022: £70,476) of which £64,647 (2022: £40,900) were unrestricted and £77,430 (2022: £29,576) were restricted. Net receipts for the year stood at £29,338 (2022: £29,576) of which -£4,468 (2022: £14,468) were unrestricted and £33,806 (2022: -£8,271) were restricted.

continue to be a going concern for the foreseeable future.

Trustees’ Responsibilities

which give a true and fair view of the charity’s affairs and of the receipts and payments of the organisation for that period. In order to achieve this, the Trustees must comply with their obligation under the Charities Act 2011 with regards to, the keeping of account records for the charity, the auditing or independent examination of the statements of account of the Charity, the transmission of the statements of account of the Charity to the Commission and the preparation of Annual Return and its transmission to the commission.

It is also the responsibility of the trustees to ensure that the income and the property of the charity must be applied solely towards the promotion of its objects. A charity trustee is entitled to be reimbursed out of the property of the charity or may pay out of such property reasonable expenses properly incurred by him or her when acting on behalf of the charity and may benefit from trustee indemnity insurance cover purchases at the charity’s expense in accordance with, and subject to the conditions in section 189 of the Charities Act 2011. Also subject to clause 28, none of the income or property of the charity may be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of profit to any charity trustee.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on Friday 18th October and signed on their behalf.

Gloria Agyemang, Chair of Trustees

45

EduSpots’ Network Awards 2023

Individual Award winners 2024

Abdul-Hakim Haruna (Sakasaka) Catalyst of the Year 2023

Kwabena Ayirebi Exceptional contribution to EduSpots Award 2023

Hamdiyatu Tunteeya Sadik (Kalpohin) Peer Mentor of the Year 2023

Habibata Yakubu Iddrisu (Sakasaka) Peer Mentor of the Year 2023

Shureya Yussif Ambassador of the Year 2023

Zainab Yussif (Nkonya) Social Media Ambassador of the Year 2023

Spot and Partner Awards 2023

Spot and Partner
Awards 2023
EduLit Club of the Year 2023 Abofour
Ignite Girls Club of the Year 2023 Ahenkro
Spot Ops Spot of the Year 2023 Kalpohin
EduKidz Spot of the Year 2023 Abofour
EcoSTEM Club of the Year 2023 Bimbilla
Community Engagement Award 2023 Sakasaka
Most Innovative Spot 2023 Joska
New Spot of the Year 2023 Ahenkro
Spot team of the Year 2023 Akumadan
Spot of the Year 2023 Bimbilla
Partner organization of the Year 2023 Gower Street
Partner school of the Year 2023 Sevenoaks School
Supporters of the Year Award 2023 Wanderlust Ghana

Ernest Fordjour (Ahenkro) EduLit Catalyst of the Year 2023

EcoSTEM Catalyst of the Year 2023

John Abentara(Dulugu) EduKidz Catalyst of the Year 2023

Adam Ibrahim (Savelugu) Spot Ops Catalyst of the Year 2023

Janet Owesuaa (Ameyaw) Ignite Girls Catalyst of the Year 2023

Sarah Davis

International Catalyst of the Year 2023

Jacqueline Owusuwaa (Ahenkro) Youth Catalyst of the Year 2023

Franklina Nsenkyire (Ahenkro) Junior Catalyst of the Year 2023

Long-term service awards: 8 years

Francis Yeboah (Director)

Long-term service awards: 5 years

For more information visit www.eduspots.org Follow @eduspots Contact info@eduspots.org