th EDU SPOTS Our Coll ctive Future 2024 EDuspOTS' ANNUAL ORT ture-ready through ' eadership educ om ni DU UK registered charity 1160734 Ghana Registered NGO Number CG091852019 O wbM.eduspots.org O info@eduspots.org Follow@eduspots
CONTENTS
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Welcome from the Catalyst Committee Chairperson|1|Resource Mobilization|20|
|Welcome from Chair of Global Trustees|2|Digitalisation|21|
|Key Charitable Information|3|Specialised Resource Kits|22|
|Why Does EduSpots Exist?|4|Local Grants|23|
|The Process of Change|5|EduSpots’ Growth: 2022–2024|24|
|A Network of Spaces Named ‘Spots’|6|Other Highlights|25|
|Impacted Study 2024|7|Independent Examiner’s Report|
|Who is Driving EduSpots’ Work?|8|to the Trustees of EduSpots (UK)|26|
|Abdul Manaf: A Learner’s Journey|10|Financial Statements|27|
|Hamidu’s Story: A Headteacher’s Journey|12|Notes to the Financial Statements|29|
|Keeping Spots Safe Education: The Change In Yamfo|13|Additional Financial Information|36|
|Who are the Staff Propelling EduSpots’ Work?|14|Annual Awards|38|
|Championing Female Leadership:|Spot & Strand Award Winners 2024|38|
|The Story of Getrude Akunlibe|15|National & Regional Awards 2024|39|
|Highlights from the Independent Study|Partner and Supporter Awards|40|
|with Expectation State|16|Spotlights|41|
|Key Recommendations from Expectation State|18|Our Future Plans|42|
|Expanding Spaces: Savelugu Spot’s Story|19|Be Part of the Change|43|
----- End of picture text -----
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 of the accounts. They comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011, and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (“SORP”), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
(Akumadan Spot Project Leader, past Spark)
Our Spots have become beacons of knowledge, creativity, and innovation. CY
Adu started his journey as an EduSpots learner in 2016, before becoming an EduSpots Catalyst and later Project Leader in Akumadan. Today, having built a youth Catalyst team of over 30 and impacting thousands of learners, he is a graduate of the University of Ghana. In February, he was elected by Catalysts to serve as its first Catalyst Chairperson, strengthening Catalyst input into decision-making across the network.
“As we reflect on the remarkable journey of 2024, we are reminded of the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and dedication that defines our mission.
Over the past nine years, Akumadan, our Spot, has evolved from a humble beginning to a vibrant hub of activity, nurturing talent and driving progress. I had the privilege of utilizing the EduSpots library in Akumadan during my high school years, which not only provided access to a wide range of books but also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute to the development of my community. A testament to this is our initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, where we mounted speakers on top of the library to broadcast lessons for students and assess them, ensuring continuity of learning despite the challenges. In Akumadan, the introduction of EduSpots has led to a significant increase in interest in reading among thousands of learners from 12 different schools, particularly outside of school hours.
The 2024 Ignite Academies across all 50 Spots ignited further passion and creativity in our Catalysts and subsequently Sparks across the network, with all strands thriving
and the launch of the Catalyse Leadership Programme advancing Spot systems across the network. Our learners’ projects showcased their growth, resilience, and commitment to creating positive change in their communities with communities developing sustainable period projects in the process. The commissioning of the Savelugu project marked a significant milestone, demonstrating our commitment to growth and development.
Our Spots have become beacons of knowledge, creativity, and innovation, providing a platform for individuals to grow, share, and learn from one another. As we reflect on our journey, we are proud of the strides we have made and are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We have learned valuable lessons, forged lasting partnerships, and developed a deeper understanding of the communities we serve.
This annual report highlights the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in 2024, showcasing the collective efforts of our team, partners, and community. We are grateful for the trust and support that has enabled us to push boundaries and strive for excellence.
We are excited to continue our journey, driven by our passion for creating positive change through standing alongside each other and engaging in collaborative dialogue. Thank you for being part of our story. We are proud to be part of the EduSpots community and look forward to sharing more successes in the years to come”
1
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
PROFESSOR GLORIA AGYEMANG
2024 has been a truly transformative year for EduSpots, with new team members These are just a few highlights of a and partners joining the strong foundation dynamic, evolving and passionate for EduSpots’ work built by an evercommunity of educators. strengthening network of over 400 local educators across the last decade. \ oan
Indeed, the year began and ended with celebrations of the achievements, ideas, and vision of EduSpots’ grassroots network. Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, who is now serving in 2025 as our official Patron, met Catalysts and Sparks for the first time at a New Year event at the University of Ghana.
The year closed with six Ignite Academies involving 402 Catalysts in EduSpots’ uniquely playful, dialogical and communityrooted training, creating a ripple of collaboration and engagement across the network.
Recognising the role of access to digital tools and training in promoting future-ready education, EduSpots launched an ambitious digitalisation strategy, distributing over 150 devices to the network, launching a new app, and embedding a digital skills curriculum throughout our educational approach. Our Digital Launch Event in Elmina highlighted our strong commitment to digital equity, with guests of honour including the Regional Director with Ghana Library Authority and the Director of Strategy and Innovation with the Ministry of Education.
After an open recruitment process, Cat Davison was selected by the trustees to be appointed as EduSpots’ first official Chief Executive Officer, after 8 years of leading the organization on a voluntary basis alongside classroom teaching since its founding.
With additional time dedicated to fundraising and an expanded staff team, EduSpots was able to secure further funding and new partners, including selection for the Dovetail Impact Foundation’s Africa Accelerator Portfolio, two year funding for the Catalyse Leadership Programme with the EA foundation and signing a three year core costs partnership with the mc2h foundation.
Responding to calls from Catalysts for further focus on safeguarding, EduSpots’ expanded its Keeping Spots Safe strategy, with enhanced collaborative training, grants for local Catalyst-led events and advocacy, and extensive resource development, including flash cards for effective parental community engagement in rights and responsibilities. Participation in EduSpots’ monthly challenges continued to increase, with growing membership and quality of engagement across EduKidz, DigiLit, EcoSTEM and Ignite Equity involving over 2800 learners in inclusive, communityrooted and interactive learning.
These are just a few highlights from our dynamic, evolving and passionate community of educators; thank you for your continued support of EduSpots in this pivotal period of our growth. We hope you enjoy reading these highlights of the pathway to #OurCollectiveFuture as we step into celebrations of our 10th anniversary year.
2
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
KEY CHARITABLE INFORMATION
This trustees’ report and accounting information included is for EduSpots UK (also known as EduSpots Global). EduSpots UK conducts its charitable activities in Ghana through EduSpots Ghana, a separately registered NGO no CG091852019 by providing grants to carry out activities. The two organisations agree that, while they are separately constituted legal entities with their own constitutions and governance, they will affiliate themselves under the common name of EduSpots. They will share common principles, values and a common programme, and they will generally operate as two geographical branches of one organisation.
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.
----- Start of picture text -----
OUR
GLORIA AGYEMANG AMS3AD SALEEM MARK GOODRICH
TRUSTEES ( joined July 2021) (joined March 2021,
(joined October 2019)
resigned July 2025)
The Trustees of
EduSpots Global (UK)
during this period were:
PSF
WW
GAYLE CLIFFORD ADAM KHANBHAI SALLY YEBOAH KATIE ALLEN-EAST
( joined May 2022) (joined May 2022) (joined February 2025) (joined February 2025)
----- End of picture text -----
EduSpots is a UK Registered Charity 1166734 UK office: Flat 3, 20 Atlingworth Street, Brighton, BN2 1PL. Website: www.eduspots.org
Social Media: @eduspots on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin, with @edu_spots on Instagram
Our bank: Cooperative Bank, PO Box 250, Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT
EduSpots is the name of the UK charity and is also known as EduSpots Global or EduSpots UK
EduSpots’ UK’s governing document, which is its Trust Deed dated 25 Apr 2016 as amended on 19 Aug 2019 as amended on 06 Jun 2020.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
The financial reports enclosed have been approved by an Independent Examiner: Shruti Soni Limited, 117a, St. Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, TN13 3PE
3
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
WHY DOES EDUSPOTS EXIST?
In rural areas of Ghana, 35% of children do not complete primary school. (UNESCO, 2020)
My education stopped when the chalk ran out; with one torchlight shared by my family,I persisted, driven by my desire for a brighter future for the next generation.
35% of Ghana’s population are under 15 (2021 census). This brings huge future leadership potential.
EduSpots asked me a simple question: Are the talents, ideas, and assets of my community being leveraged in education? Answering this led me to set up a Spot in my home community, Dulugu.
(Dulugu Spot Founder and Regional Coordinator)
In 2024-2025, over 200 local teams have applied to join the EduSpots network driven by their desire to strengthen local education.
Since 2015, over 800 local Catalysts like Getrude have come together to drive educational change, creating the organisation that has become EduSpots.
EduSpots’ unique blend of fun, communityrooted, and future-ready education is led by voluntary Catalysts at inclusive communityled learning spaces named ‘Spots’ through co-curricular clubs and wider informal learning sessions, using digital tools.
The Catalysts - a growing movement of teachers, youth and parents - grow their leadership, education and professional skills, all whilst inspiring over 10,000 learners annually to become the next generation of empathetic and informed changemakers.
4
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
THE PROCESS OF CHANGE
Before the Spot, many learners didn’t know how to browse the internet or type a letter. Today, they can. Our learners are now engaged in impactful literacy and digital skills activities that are fun and future-focused. This has created a space for them to demonstrate leadership and problem solving abilities in school and at home, and the community is taking notice.
(Japhta, Aboabo no 4 Spot)
How Does EduSpots Work ?
----- Start of picture text -----
THE REASON THE ACTION THE OUTCOMES THE IMPACT
Educational inequity We connect, train Learners, teachers School and wider
is growing, and local and equip local and community community-based
leaders - teachers, Catalysts to lead fun, members grow their learning become
youth and parents community-rooted confidence, optimism more inclusive,
- have untapped and future-ready and engagement in interactive and
talents, energy and education through education, creating relevant. Both
ideas. co-curricular clubs the futures they locally, and nationally,
in spaces named want to see through communities work
‘Spots’ using digital a sustainable together to advance
tools. grassroots network. education.
----- End of picture text -----
I have been working with education and community development NGOs in Ghana for almost 25 years and EduSpots stands out for the quality of its work, the creativity of its model and the integrity of its people.
(Sally Vivyan, Co-Director, Gower Street Trust)
5
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
A NETWORK OF EduSpots has been my second home, a place where I’ve grown, SPACES NAMED learned, and discovered my strengths. ‘SPOTS’ Jeffery - Learner, Akumadan The model recognises that Spots’ age by years each community is unique, with different needs and priorities, 40% and emphasises the importance 34% of community-driven change. 30% 26% 22% (Catalyst, Expectation State, Independent 20% 18% Evaluation 2025) 10% 0-1 years 1-3 years 3-5 years 6-10 years = ~~oa?~~ In 2024, 50 Spot teams involved 158 schools in fun, community-rooted 33 and future-ready learning. All Spots are owned by the community with all 25% of current Spots ongoing costs paid at the local level. were set up by existing 12 Spots run on solar power. Catalysts who had moved communities.
We welcomed 12 new Spots to the network through a structured recruitment process, which is due to be reopened in July 2025.
----- Start of picture text -----
Ghana
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
20%
80%
----- End of picture text -----
80% School-based Spots
20% Community-based Spots
6
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
IMPACTED STUDY 2024
We have seen some tremendous changes after introducing EduSpots. With regards to EduLit, these kids can now read fluently, unlike previously. Also, EduKidz and EcoSTEM have changed students’ attitudes towards learning Science and Maths (Headteacher, Independent Evaluation 2025) a In 2024, we completed a range of quantitative studies with Impact Ed to evaluate the change across our programmes, using validated surveys to test changes in attitudes and skills across a 10 month period.
Learner Quantitative Studies
----- Start of picture text -----
EMOTIONAL
ENGAGEMENT
in Maths and Science
for learners
13%
increase
EcoSTEM club members,
across 10 months,
107 surveyed
----- End of picture text -----
METACOGNITION across learners 2.4% increase EduLit club members, across 10 months, 101 surveyed
Catalyst Quantitative Studies
SENSE OF COMMUNITY INDEX
4.8% increase Ignite Programme participants, over 12 months, 55 surveyed
SELF-EFFICACY 3.5% increase Catalyst Leadership Programme over a 12 month period in Catalysts, 27 surveyed
7
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
WHO IS DRIVING EDUSPOTS’ WORK?
EduSpots has built an effective network of young people and community members who initiate positive changes. This approach has created a new generation of leaders who can sustain and expand EduSpots’ work.
(Expectation State, Independent Evaluation, 2025)
In 2024, there were:
10,439 LEARNERS Enabled to become independent learners through resources, study space and mentorship.
2809 SPARKS
Aged 3-16, engaged in fun, community-rooted and future-ready education clubs.
402 CATALYSTS
Local changemakers trained in the model through the Ignite Programme, and growing as leaders and educators.
23 STAFF Growing as leaders, 40% from Catalyst backgrounds. All full-time staff areGhana-based
8
PEER MENTORS Catalysts trained in mentoring, gaining professional skills working alongside staff.
50 SPOT LEAD CATALYSTS Catalysts building their leadership capacity through the Catalyse Leadership Programme.
Beyond this, Catalysts also engage and involve an estimated 25,000 community members in themes such as gender equity and safeguarding through events, radio shows and home visits.
8
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
I am committed to acquiring more knowledge and skills to strengthen Ameyaw Spot, ensuring it remains a vibrant, safe, and inclusive space for learning.
(Janet - Spot Leader and Founder, Ameyaw Spot)
Learner by Age:
----- Start of picture text -----
KG 11%
Primary 35%
JHS 38%
SHS 7%
Adult 7%
----- End of picture text -----
Learner by Gender
----- Start of picture text -----
Female 52%
Male 48%
----- End of picture text -----
Catalyst by Gender
Catalyst by Occupation
| Teacher / headteacher | 64% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Student (SHS/JHS) | 15% | ||
| Student (higher education) Other 9% 5% |
|||
| Businessman/woman or entrepreneur 3% |
|||
| Nurse, doctor, medical professional 2% |
|||
| Development professional / NGO worker 2% |
|||
| Farmer 1% |
|||
| Construction / Transportation 1% |
Ages of Registered Catalysts
----- Start of picture text -----
36%
34%
15%
9%
5%
1%
18 or less 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64
Age Range
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Female 43%
Male 57%
----- End of picture text -----
9
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
ABDUL MANAF: A LEARNER’S JOURNEY
My parents didn’t really go far with education. When my dad heard I was involved in EduSpots, he was like “WOW!”
Through EduSpots, I’ve improved my reading, creativity and use of technology. Now, I think critically to solve problems and make vital decisions.
(Abdul Manaf, 13 year old Spark and Catalyst, Abofour Spot)
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 SPARKS (CLUB MEMBERS) IN NUMBERS
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
840
681
668
620
EduKidz DigiLit Ignite Equity EcoSTEM
(KG-B3) (B4-B6) (B8) (B7-B9)
33 CLUBS 28 CLUBS 28 CLUBS 23 CLUBS
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
2018
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Joins DigiLit in 2019
Class 3 feeling
anxious about
maths and
Visits the Spot to read
speaking English.
books, uses science
sets and engages
with Catalysts.
2020
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
2022
During the
pandemic, he
borrows books
and engages in
#StayAtHome Attends EcoSTEM
challenges. club and reports his
classes becoming
more practical, fun
and engaging and his
2023 confidence growing.
----- End of picture text -----
Becomes the EcoSTEM Club 2024 President, leading the club’s activities. Joins EduSpots as a Catalyst 2025 supporting younger learners with digital tools and organizing Manaf is EduSpots’ books and attends Learner of the Year, Ignite Academies
Manaf is EduSpots’ Learner of the Year, and plans his future as a staff member!
----- Start of picture text -----
10
----- End of picture text -----
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
----- Start of picture text -----
CHANGES HE
OBSERVES IN
ABOFOUR
Literacy in the Teaching is
community has more fun and
improved practical
Teachers Learners take
Learners stop and students leadership
skipping class are working roles
together
Learners are Reduction of Learning
more confident corporal punishment spaces are
and creative in school and more inclusive
community
----- End of picture text -----
65% of learners took on leadership roles at the end of the clubs
I’ve seen confidence grow in our students, who now believe they can be changemakers.
(Gloria Addae, Abofour Spot)
In the future, I hope to study science at university and then become an EduSpots staff, to help mentor younger ones to become great Catalysts like me.
(Abdul Manaf, Spark & Catalyst, Abofour Spot)
programme.
(Expectation State, Independent Evaluation, 2025)
Scan here to watch the full journey of Manaf
The 2024 Impact Ed demonstrated a 13% increase in Emotional Engagement in Maths and Science across 100 EcoSTEM Sparks across a 10 month period, using validated measures.
11
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
HAMIDU’S STORY: A HEADTEACHER’S JOURNEY
Classroom observation data showed a 45% increase in student-centred learning approaches among teachers exposed to the EduSpots model.
(Expectation State, Independent Evaluation, 2025)
Before joining the Catalyse Leadership Programme, I was an ordinary headteacher. I returned not just as a school leader, but as a strategic leader, a change maker, community builder and staff-developer.
2024 2025 2020 2023 Supports Spot’s Joins Catalyse Selected as Joins Ignite Leadership Spot Lead Programme, Programme Peer Mentor, student . leading DigiLit leading semi-staff role and EcoSTEM Catalyse clubs Project.
Supports Spot’s founding by Aishetu, his student .
(Hamidu Kaadri, Headteacher &
Catalyst, Yamfo Spot)
After EduSpots’ training, I started to get closer to all the stakeholders in education - parents, chief imams and all the rest. Having explained the concept of EduSpots to them, together with my teachers, many things changed in this school and in the community as a whole.
----- Start of picture text -----
Shift in
Increased Winning pedagogy, to
CHANGES school quiz be more play-
enrolment competitions based, practical
HAMIDU HAS and inclusive
OBSERVED
IN YAMFO
Catalysts Pupils
and teachers sharing ideas teaching each other Use of digital tools for
research
Further support Improved Collaboration
for students management with other
with special of teachers headteachers
educational needs via Zoom
----- End of picture text -----
12
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
KEEPING SPOTS SAFE EDUCATION: THE The change that Hamidu Kaadri CHANGE IN YAMFO has observed in his school: 95 Schools and headteachers are all learning from the EduSpots model’s safeguarding Previously, some special educational activities and they sometimes call us needs learners could not stay in the school to come and give them a talk on how to because of how the other learners were manage certain activities in their schools treating them. (Hamidu Kaadri, Headteacher & Catalyst, Yamfo Spot) But after we took them through the safeguarding approaches, the behaviours of the learners and teachers themselves changed to be more inclusive; now the parents are brining them back to school. ZZ a Keeping Spots Safe in EduSpots 100% of Spots in EduSpots complete the a 99 Keeping Spot Safe Badge as part of EduSpots’ commitment to creating learning spaces that are safe, inclusive, and caring for everyone. This includes: 1. Engagements with Sparks, including understanding their rights and responsibilities, and expressing feelings. 2. Engagements with Catalysts including forms of abuse and behaviour management strategies. 3. Community engagement sessions with parents, including online safety. 4. Explanation and posters on the process for ‘passing it on’, with quizzes and interviews to test understanding and action. | We b 5. Regular ‘Together Thursday’ sessions explore safeguarding, inclusion and wellbeing in education. There was a 52% increase in Catalysts’ self-reported empathy and cultural sensitivity scores. (Expectation State, Independent Evaluation, 2025) EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report 13 | —
50% of the global staff & peer mentor team have Catalyst backgrounds, with 100% of full-time staff based in Ghana.
2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2022 2024 2024 2018 2019 2021 Starts Getrude EduSpots’ Academy, at African Studying Science courseonline takes to set up Applies Dulugu Spot oe CommissionsDulugu Spot mentorship following her Spot & Becomes change in Catalyst, driving Active an Coordinator EduSpots as part-time EcoSTEM Joins Science as a Presidential Computer graduates top in her Scholarclass in EcoSTEM clubs lead DigiLit and Regional Coordinator Spot team to Becomes full-time Works with beyond for Northern Cluster, also supporting the app development process
WHO ARE THE STAFF PROPELLING EDUSPOTS’ WORK?
At first, my community believed only a powerful authority could bring educational reform. Today, the presence of Dulugu Spot and the impact made by local Catalysts has changed that perception.
The story of Getrude Akunlibe
Dulugu Spot Founder and Regional Coordinator
Getrude grew up in a rural area of Bolgatanga where more than
14
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
CHAMPIONING FEMALE LEADERSHIP
I recruited Catalysts and worked relentlessly to shift my community leaders’ traditional mindsets of leadership being male-dominated. As a result, rigid preconceptions about women’s roles in my community have now shifted.
----- Start of picture text -----
CHANGES SHE
OBSERVES IN
DULUGU
Perceptions
of the role of Learning
women have is more
changed practical
The
Reading community
for joy works
together
STEM
education is Digital skills
more increasing
practical
Literacy Teachers are
levels
more motivated
increased
to drive changes
----- End of picture text -----
At the start of the Dulugu EcoSTEM Holiday Camp, only 1 out of 20 girls could turn on a computer.
THE IMPACT ON GETRUDE:
My confidence and adventurous attitude, fueled by my engagement in EduSpots, helped me secure a full scholarship to pursue a degree in computer technology, which I accomplished with distinction. EduSpots has served as a beacon of light for me, and I hope to continue extending that light to many others, whilst developing my own leadership skills.
----- Start of picture text -----
;
----- End of picture text -----*
15 EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report | o
HIGHLIGHTS FROM wa THE INDEPENDENT STUDY WITH EXPECTATION STATE
——_
68% of parents reported being more engaged in their children’s learning.
(Expectation State, Independent Evaluation, 2025)
In December 2024, we commissioned Expectation State to conduct an independent evaluation of our work across 10 sampled Spot communities. These were a mix of school and community-based Spots, located in diverse regions, and in existence for 1 to 9 years.
The EduSpots programme has successfully transformed educational landscapes across Ghana, fostering a new generation of active, empathetic citizens and catalysing community-driven change.
Expectation State interviewed 211 students, teachers, Catalysts, community leaders, staff and headteachers in this process.
(Expectation State, February 2025)
They used an outcome harvesting approach, triangulating evidence from desk research, surveys and qualitative research methods such as focus groups and semi-structured interviews.
State Ld 1 Expectation Pedagogical transformation:
THESE WERE SOME OF THE KEY FINDINGS
The shift towards more learnercentred, inclusive, and practical teaching methods has transformed school-based pedagogy, making education more relevant and engaging for students.
2 Value for money, systems and sustainability:
The model offers a structured approach to programme delivery. It offers significant value for money, leveraging volunteer engagement and capacity building to maximise impact.
16
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
----- Start of picture text -----
3 Replicability in new contexts:
----- End of picture text -----
The study confirms that “the model’s ability to be replicated and the general benefits derived by the community indicate its potential to make a lasting impact in diverse contexts, positioning EduSpots as a promoter of educational equity and community.”
4 Co-creative learning environments:
One headteacher commented: 66 “Now, I see myself as a facilitator, guiding students to discover knowledge for themselves. The energy in my classroom has completely transformed.”
5 Civic action and leadership:
One Catalyst commented: “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.”
6 Environmental action: eo
The Community is cleaner and safer without plastic sachets and litter, as students now use the waste to produce important items like raincoats, footwear, and others. Open defecation has also declined since EduSpots came around.
Trends analysis showed a 40% increase in learners’ participation in civic activities throughout the programme.
(Expectation State, Independent Evaluation, 2025)
17
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM EXPECTATION STATE
The team has integrated all of these recommendations, and others, into the ongoing strategic development plan for 2025 and beyond.
Implement Deepen local Advance local Develop a a system Continued community community guidebook for for regularly analysis of the engagement partnerships the Spot model, assessing relationship with working with and fundraising, with and adapting government local teams. creating a school-based Spot models curriculumbased on local database for and communitybased content feedback and local Spots to based versions access. performance metrics.
In 2025, EduSpots has four full-time Regional Coordinators who are responsible for Catalyst mentorship and tracking, with a dedicated new Head of Leadership Programmes introduced to focus specifically on developing local team building and partnerships. A comprehensive updated Catalyst guide book for implementing our model has been sent to all Spot teams.
----- Start of picture text -----
Scan here to read
the full report from
Expectation State.
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
18
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
----- End of picture text -----
EXPANDING SPACES: SAVELUGU SPOT’S STORY
A Spark’s perspective:
It has boosted the confidence level of everybody and we have been able to work as a team which has been amazing. I will work hard in order to become a volunteer, so that I will help my community members and educate them on how to use the library.
(Yaw George Atsu, EcoSTEM club member)
A Catalyst and teacher’s viewpoint:
It’s a dream come true. Before, when we came for our Ignite Equity session, we had to wait for EduLit to finish, but now we have a spacious library where we can all work together, it’s so exciting and awesome.
I’ve learnt a lot about teamwork in EduSpots – when you want to do a task, you don’t have to do it alone. (Okomongye Diana, teacher and Catalyst)
Aged 19, Nimatu Abdul-Rahman founded Savelugu Spot in 2019 in a small office space in the school she attended, aiming to improve literacy outcomes for students coming after her.
In 2024, in partnership with the PTA who part funded the building, Savelugu Spot runs in a spacious solarpowered facility overseen by a Spot Management Committee.
SAVELUGU SPOT IN NUMBERS:
----- Start of picture text -----
CLUBS RUNNING
Open Hours
6 days a week 8 schools using the Spot EduKidz
7 evenings a week
yp» DigiLit
Catalysts
12 Active Catalysts including students, Fe EcoSTEM
teachers and nurses
Ignite Equity
by Yaw Pele (Catalyse Leadership Programme participant) 467 learners using the Spot
° Adam Ibrahim Co Spot Lead
(Peer Mentor)
Spot Management
Nimatu Abdul-Rahman Committee
a
(Catalyst Committee Vice-Chair)
----- End of picture text -----
19
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
78% of Spots have secured local funding or partnerships to support ongoing operations.
(Expectation State,Independent Evaluation, 2025)
EduSpots’ model has a focus on training and supporting local Catalysts to acquire their own funds and resources through community mobilisation; we also fostered partnerships to support with some resource distribution.
BOOKS
1,360 New books by local authors 3,729 New books from Book Aid International and Books for Africa 3,531 Donated books 1,560 Printed EduSpots’ own titles 2000+ Books collected by local teams
The reading and writing skills of club members (which include learners from other schools) have improved, as have their creativity and ability to think critically in solving problems.
(Catalyst, Independent Evaluation, Expectation State)
97% of learners surveyed reported an improvement in reading and writing skills, with 60% noting a significant improvement through EduSpots.
(Expectation State,Independent Evaluation, 2025)
20
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
DIGITALISATION
EduSpots embeds digital skills training for Catalysts and learners across its programme design. We distributed the following devices in 2024:
106 Tablets 50 Wi-Fi kits 10 Projectors 10 Laptops [
This is my first time to have an opportunity to use a tablet. The experience cannot easily be forgotten due to the “talking” Alexa feature on the tablet.
Alhassan Ragadawu, EcoSTEM club member at Kalpohin Spot, Tamale
ONE CATALYST IN AHENKRO SPOT COMMENTS THAT:
The EduSpots App
The tablets have created a modern, inclusive and engaging learning environment that is supporting learners’ academic and personal growth and increasing interest in education.
In 2024, EduSpots developed an app to enable Catalysts and staff to register Catalysts and learners effectively, access EduSpots’ programmes and mentoring, and have live information of Spot activities. In 2024, over 300 Catalysts and 2,000 learners were registered.
21
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
SPECIALISED RESOURCE KITS —
Now, we focus on learning through hands-on experience and ensure everyone participates. We also use visuals in teaching with a projector.
(Catalyst, Expectation State, Independent Evaluation, 2025)
The strand resource kits serve as invaluable tools to facilitate a learning process that is interactive, student-centred and inclusive with packs of monthly challenges guiding Catalysts and learners in practical project-based learning alongside practical and sustainable tools such as Dext Technology STEM kits, phonics sliders and wider teaching aids.
----- Start of picture text -----
KITS
DISTRIBUTED
BY STRAND
----- End of picture text -----
Beyond books, EduSpots encouraged practical, real-world problem-solving. We worked on projects like designing solar-powered lamps for students without electricity and repurposing waste materials into useful products.
This hands-on approach fueled my passion for engineering and shaped my decision to pursue Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
(Rahim, Spark now Catalyst, Sakasaka Spot)
22
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
LOCAL GRANTS
Catalysts were given 166,410 Ghana Cedis (£8,913.83) in grant funding to design projects across 4 areas:
The Spot has become a hub for more than just education. We now use it to organise community clean-up drives and awareness campaigns.
----- Start of picture text -----
(Community elder, Expectation
State, 2025 )
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
1
O i oi
|>; biel‘ea Y @| THE CATALYSE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME:
te / — Sed a! - Catalyse Project Grants for all participants.
: s j j Example: Mohammed Fuseini using STEM kits in Dulugu
transforms science education across the district.
2
----- End of picture text -----
Example: Mohammed Fuseini using STEM kits in Dulugu transforms science education across the district.
SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISES TO SUPPORT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE CHALLENGES.
Example: Learners and Catalysts in Ameyaw create soap to sell to create income for sanitary pads.
----- Start of picture text -----
3
----- End of picture text -----
TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS IN KEEPING SPOTS SAFE.
Example: Catalysts and learners in Abofour engage local parents using the Keeping Spots Safe picture cards.
-
4 GREEN SPOT INNOVATION CHALLENGE:
-
@
Spots were given 10,000 cedis to design an intervention that solved a local environmental problem.
Example: Ideas ranged from school-wide plastics recycling and upcycling initiative in Abofour, to student-led tree planting and nurturing in Aboabo No 4 Spot.
23
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
EDUSPOTS’ GROWTH: 2022-2024
This table reflects our collected data across 2022-2024, with ongoing advancements made here in 2025 via the introduction of the EduSpots’ app. Note that some changes are due to advances in data collection across the Spots. From 2022-2024, EduSpots had a consistent number of 50 Spots in the network with the figures below therefore reflecting local growth.
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|PERCENTAGE CHANGE|
|2022|2023|2024|
|FROM 2023-2024|
|Number of active|
|274|337|368|9 % increase|
|Catalysts|
|No of monthly challenges|
|427|611|43% increase|
|submitted|
|a|
|Total literacy sessions|
|421|668|997|49 % increase|
|(now DigiLit)|
|EcoSTEM sessions|225|269|900|335% increase|
|a|
|Ignite Equity sessions|1,005|New strand|
|EduKidz sessions|1022|New strand|
|a|
|Keeping Spots Safe|
|282|New formal strand|
|engagements|
|95|
|Other community-led|
|148|404|273% increase|
|activities|
|Spot management|
|148|298|201 % increase|
|committees held|
|Average opening hours|
|4.9|4.4|5|11 % increase|
|(day time)|
|a|
|59 % decrease|
|Average opening hours|
|3|3.4|2|Due to school-based|
|(evening)|
|Spots shift|
|Recorded books|
|1,343|2,268|11,313|499 % increase|
|borrowed|
|oe|
|Local funds raised|6,467.9|10,813.9|35,000|3229 % increase|
|Organisational funds|
|£76.67k|£171,415|£268,212|56.5% increase|
|raised|
|Staff team (full time|
|5|9|17|88.89% increase|
|PQ,|
|equivalent)|
----- End of picture text -----
24
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
We were selected for the Dovetail Impact Foundation’s Acceleration Portfolio.
Professor Gloria Agyemang, Executive Dean at Royal Holloway’s School of Business and Management, University of London, was appointed Chair of Trustees of EduSpots Global.
Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, and televised NMSQ Quiz Mistress, became EduSpots’ Patron in Ghana.
Cat Davison, CEO, was selected as a Gratitude Network fellow and gave a TedTalk: How to Build a Movement for Community-Led Education at Academic City University, Accra
With thanks to all those supporting the journey to #OurCollectiveFuture, including the following...
25
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF EDUSPOTS (UK)
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024
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
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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: 23 October 2025
Shruti Soni Ltd ● Chartered Certified Accountants 117a St. John’s Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE
26
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE CHARITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
For the year ended 31 December 2024 For the year ended 31 December 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2024|2024|2024|2024|2023|2023|20232023|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|
|Note|£|£|£|£ (Restated)|£ (Restated)|£ (Restated)|
|Income from:|
|Donations and grants|3|108,094|160,518|268,612|61,324|118,472|179,796|
|Charitable activities|-|-|-|500|-|500|
|Total income|108,094|160,518|268,612|61,824|118,472|180,296|
|en|ee|ee|eee|
|Expenditure on:|
|Raising funds|60|-|60|1,054|-|1,054|
|EE|Charitable activitiesCharitable activities|
|Ignite, Catalyse and Peer|
|Mentoring|programmes|29,236|132,493|161,729|26,961|41,915|68,876|
|Building & Furnishing Libraries|456|8,106|8,562|354|24,045|24,399|
|Project & Programme Delivery|16,990|2,090|19,080|11,917|-|11,917|
|Online Courses & School|1,488|-|1,488|2,652|-|2,652|
|Literacy Resources &|
|Distribution|-|-|-|-|9,280|9,280|
|Travel|383|410|793|2,563|-|2,563|
|Media, Marketing & IT|280|-|280|259|-|259|
|App Development|-|5,462|5,462|-|-|-|
|Monitoring & Evaluation|776|5,400|6,176|1,050|1,590|2,640|
|Consultancy costs|33,510|1,610|35,120|19,768|600|20,368|
|Recruitment|1,156|-|1,156|568|-|568|
|Insurance|252|-|252|414|-|414|
|Trustee & Volunteer training|52|-|52|368|-|368|
|Events|1,279|-|1,279|-|-|-|
|Independent Examination Fee|1,060|409|1,469|1,470|-|1,470|
|Just Giving|/ Big Give fees|734|-|734|1,404|-|1,404|
|Bank charges|77|-|77|16|-|16|
|Total expenditure|87,789|155,980|243,769|70,818|77,430|148,248|
|ED|Ee|eee|
|Net income / (expenditure) for the|
|year|20,305|4,538|24,843|(8,994)|41,042|32,048|
|a|a|Las|
|Transfers between funds|-|-|-|(2,474)|2,474|-|
|. . . . .|»42 ED|
|Net movement in funds|20,305|4,538|24,843|(11,468)|43,516|32,048|
|i|eee|
|aa|_N|
|Reconciliation of funds:|Reconciliation of funds:|
|Total funds brought forward|14,894|57,645|72,539|26,362|14,129|40,491|
|LU|eee|
|Total funds carried forward|10|35,199|62,183|97,382|14,894|57,645|72,539|
|E|E|ee|ee|eee|
----- End of picture text -----
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in Note 10 to the financial statements.
27
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
As at 31 December 2024 As at 31 December 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2024|2024|2024|2023|2023|2023|
|Note|£|£|£ (Restated)|£ (Restated)|
|Current assets:|
|Debtors|7|2,267|8,879|
|Cash at bank and in hand|104,855|69,832|
|107,122|78,711|
|Liabilities:|
|Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|8|9,740|6,172|
|Net current assets / (liabilities)|97,382|72,539|
|Total assets less current liabilities|97,382|72,539|
|Total net assets / (liabilities)|9|97,382|72,539|
|The funds of the charity:|10|
|Restricted income funds|62,183|57,645|
|Unrestricted income funds:|
|General funds|35,199|14,894|
|Total unrestricted funds|35,199-|14,894|
|Total charity funds|97,382|72,539|
----- End of picture text -----
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on
and signed on their behalf by
Signature
Print Name
Date of approval
Gloria Agyemang 22nd October 2025
28 EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024 1 Accounting policies a) Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note. In 2024, the charity adopted accrual basis of accounting. The 2023 comparative figures have been restated to adjust for debtors and creditors at the year end due to transition from cash basis of accounting to accruals basis. b) Public benefit entity The charitable company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. c) Going concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern. There are no key judgements that the charitable company has made which have a significant effect on the accounts. The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. d) Income Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably. Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. e) Fund accounting Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund. Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for the charitable purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. 29 EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report ~~7~~
1 Accounting policies (continued) f) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings: Costs of raising funds relate to the costs incurred by the charitable company in inducing third parties to make voluntary contributions to it, as well as the cost of any activities with a fundraising purpose Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of provision of space and services undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. ~~a~~ 2 Post Balance Sheet events In 2025, it was identified that EduSpots Ghana, a connected organisation based in Ghana, had been the victim of fraud. The total amount involved in 2024 is estimated at approximately £13,474 (GHS 194,225), which has been 100% recovered in 2025. The incident has been reported to the appropriate authorities in Ghana and the UK. Given the amount donated to EduSpots by senior staff and trustees in 2024 and 2025, we are confident that no donor funds were adversely affected. EduSpots Ghana and EduSpots Global have worked closely together in 2025 to review all financial policies and procedures, and tighten its financial controls on the Ghana Ecobank account.
| 3 | Income from donations and grants | 2024 2024 |
2023 2023 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ (Restated) | |||
| Donations | 8,992 | 14,185 | 23,177 | 55,175 | ||
| Grants | 99,102 | 146,333 | 245,435 | 124,621 | ||
| 108,094 | 160,518 | 268,612 | 179,796 |
Of the total income of £179,796 in 2023, £118,472 was restricted and £61,324 was unrestricted
4 Related party transactions
EduSpots (also known as EduSpots UK or EduSpots Global) carries out its charitable activities in Ghana through EduSpots Ghana, an independent sister organisation registered in Ghana. Professor Gloria Agyemang, Chair of the Board of Trustees of EduSpots UK, also serves as a Director of EduSpots Ghana, while Catherine Davison holds the position of Chief Executive Officer in both organisations.
During the year, Trustee, Katie Allen East (joined as Trustee on 28 January 2025), was remunerated £18,440 (2023: nil) for project delivery and consultancy services provided before her appointment. CEO, Catherine Davison, was remunerated £9,000 (2023: nil) for project delivery and consultancy services provided to the charity. £3,000 was accrued at year end for Catherine's remuneration. No trustees were reimbursed any expenses incurred during their office as trustee during the year (2023: nil). Unrestricted donations of £99 were received during the year from a trustee (2023: £nil). No restricted donations were received from trustees during the year. (2023: £5,000 from Catherine Davison).
Due to severe banking challenges in UK, funds totaling £57,000 (2023: £20,000 though Adam Khanbhai and £75,794 through Catherine Davison) have been transferred to Eduspots Ghana using personal bank accounts of the trustee, Adam Khanbhai. This has been fully documented, approved and only done when there was no other option.
5 Grant Payments
During the year, total expenditure includes grant payments amounting to £172,965 (2023: £95,794) made by EduSpots UK to EduSpots Ghana in support of its charitable programmes. These grants were directed towards the Ignite, Catalyse and Peer Mentoring Programmes, Building & Furnishing Libraries and Literacy Resourses & Distribution programmes.
6 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.
| 7 Prepayments Accrued income Debtors |
2024 £ - 2,267 2024 |
2023 £ - 8,879 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,267 | 8,879 |
30
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|8|Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|
|2024|2024|20232023|
|£|£|
|Accruals|9,740|6,172|
|9,740|6,172|
|9|Analysis of net assets between funds at the end of year|
|General|
|unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|Total funds|
|£|£|£|£|
|-|-|-|-|
|Tangible fixed assets|
|Net current assets|35,199|-|62,183|97,382|
|-|
|Net assets at the end of the year|35,199|62,183|97,382|
|Analysis of net assets between funds at the start of year|
|General|
|unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|Total funds|
|£|£|£|£|
|-|-|-|-|
|Tangible fixed assets|
|Net current assets|14,894|-|57,645|72,539|
|-|
|Net assets at the end of the year|14,894|57,645|72,539|
|al|babe|
----- End of picture text -----
31
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
| At the end of the year |
£ | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6,733 | 15,320 | - | 11,118 | 3,310 | 2,000 | 1,000 | 3,000 | - | 108 | 1,138 | 3,000 | 858 | - | - | - | 5,995 | 8,603 | - | 62,183 | 35,199 | 35,199 | 35,199 | 97,382 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfers | £ | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Expenditure & losses |
£ | (450) | (1,859) | (1,721) | (837) | (24,861) | (2,500) | (1,000) | (2,000) | (2,856) | (1,263) | (6,830) | (21,603) | (14,000) | (22,008) | (4,984) | - | - | - | (17,690) | (6,267) | (5,462) | - | (142) | (5,000) | (2,500) | (5,000) | (3,000) | (1,397) | (750) | (155,980) | (87,789) | (87,789) | (243,769) | ||||
| Income & gains |
£ | - | - | - | - | 18,003 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 14,185 | 14,000 | 33,126 | 8,294 | 2,000 | 1,000 | 3,000 | 17,690 | 6,375 | 6,600 | 3,000 | 1,000 | 5,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 | 8,995 | 10,000 | 750 | 160,518 | 108,094 | 108,094 | 268,612 | ||||
| At the start of the year |
£ | 450 | 1,859 | 1,721 | 837 | 6,858 | 2,500 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 2,856 | 1,263 | 13,563 | 22,738 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 57,645 14,894 14,894 72,539 i |
|||||||
| 32 10 During the year Restricted funds: Movements in funds |
ei |
Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust - Ignite staff ei |
The Evan Cornish Foundation - Ignite ei |
Chalk Cliff Trust - refurb of Savelugu Spot ei |
The Souter Charitable Trust - Elmina ei |
British & Foreign Schools Society (BFSS) - Ignite ei |
Carmela and Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation - Savelugu Spot ei |
CB & HH Taylor Trust - Savelugu Spot ei |
The De La Rue Trust - Savelugu Spot ei |
W F Southall Trust - Peer mentors ei |
Kwadwo's Drive for Digitalisation (JustGiving) ei |
Kwabena's EduSpots Drive for Digitalisation (JustGiving) ei |
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report Big Give The Farthing Trust - Ignite programme EA Foundation - Payment 1 - Catalyst Programme The Coles-Medlock - Ignite Equity Programme Belacqua Charitable Trust - Savelugu library Gilchrist Educational Trust - spot furniture The William Leech Charity - Zangbalun Spot Fonthill Foundation - Digitalisation project Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust - Spot Safeguarding Gower Street Grant - to cover first year's costs for maintenance of the EduSpots app The Ashworth Charitable Trust - restricted grant (Zangbalun) Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust - restricted grant for Ignite equity (girls clubs) Chalk Cliff Trust - resources/books for Ignite Academies Small grants - Books King Charles III charitable Fund - Ignite Gower Street - external evaluation of EduSpots' model and impact to date Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust - Ignite The N Smith Charitable Settlement - Savelugu Spot ei |
Total restricted funds ei |
ei | Unrestricted funds: ei |
General funds ei |
ei | Total unrestricted funds ei |
| At the end of | the year | £ | - | - | - | - | - | 450 | 1,859 | 1,721 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 837 | 6,858 | 2,500 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 2,856 | 1,263 | 13,563 | 22,738 | - | 57,645 | 14,894 | 14,894 | 14,894 | 72,539 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfers | £ | - | - | - | - | (26) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2,500 | 2,474 | (2,474) | (2,474) | - | |||||
| Expenditure | & losses | £ | (1,400) | (6,729) | (1,000) | (5,000) | (5,974) | (3,300) | (641) | (3,279) | (16,000) | (2,000) | (5,000) | (5,000) | (2,500) | (1,000) | (3,000) | (1,163) | (3,020) | - | - | - | (144) | - | - | (8,780) | (2,500) | (77,430) | (70,818) | (70,818) | (148,248) | ||||
| Income & | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income & | gains | £ | - | - | - | - | 6,000 | 3,750 | 2,500 | 5,000 | 16,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 2,500 | 1,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 9,878 | 2,500 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 1,263 | 13,563 | 31,518 | - | 118,472 | 61,824 | 61,824 | 180,296 | ||||
| At the start | of the year | £ | 1,400 | 6,729 | 1,000 | 5,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 14,129 | 26,362 | 26,362 | 40,491 | ||||
| 10 Movements in funds (continued…....) During previous year Restricted funds: , |
Nick Baldock - donation for Elmina project | Jephcott Charitable Trust - Elmina Solar and furniture fit out | EF Rathbone Charity - STEM summer camps | The Coles-Medlock Foundation - Ignite programme | LIV CHA and VO Kitchen Table Charities Trust - Resources & repairs for Spots | Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust - Ignite staff | The Evan Cornish Foundation - Ignite | Chalk Cliff Trust - refurb of Savelugu Spot | British & Foreign Schools Society - Ignite | The William Leech Charity - Elmina | Fonthill Foundation - Ignite | Fonthill Foundation - Ignite | The Morel Trust - Elmina | Oakdale Trust - Elmina | Fonthill Foundation - Ignite | The Souter Charitable Trust - Elmina | British & Foreign Schools Society (BFSS) - Ignite | Carmela and Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation - Savelugu Spot | CB & HH Taylor Trust - Savelugu Spot | The De La Rue Trust - Savelugu Spot | W F Southall Trust - Peer mentors | Kwadwo's Drive for Digitalisation (JustGiving) | Kwabena's EduSpots Drive for Digitalisation (JustGiving) | Big Give | Transfer from Designated Funds | Total restricted funds | Unrestricted funds | General funds | Total unrestricted funds | Total funds |
33
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
- Movements in funds (continued) TRANSFERS: Transfers from restricted to general funds represent core costs and overheads charged to general funds covered by the restricted grants. Purposes of Restricted Funds REFURBISHMENT OF The library is fully furnished with bookcases, tables SAVELUGU SPOT: (for early years learners and adults), book boxes for ~~—_~~ younger readers, and a wider range of books alongside a selection of local storybooks and textbooks chosen by the local team. The installation of solar power will serve as a source of sustainable energy for the centre, enabling the operation of lights, computers, and other digital educational tools. REFURBISHMENT OF The expanded solar-powered Spot will use the Dream ZANGBALUN SPOT: Spot Model and will serve as a fantastic community hub
The expanded solar-powered Spot will use the Dream Spot Model and will serve as a fantastic community hub for education and learning, offering a safe and inclusive environment for children and young people to access high-quality educational resources, homework support, and a spacious study space. Local community volunteers will continue to lead regular educational clubs, with safeguarding and other community-led initiatives.
ELMINA – CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SPOT:
The fantastic new space has been completed and 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, alongside whiteboards and a projector screen.
The Spot was constructed in partnership with WeBuilding, an organisation supporting sustainable architecture projects, who voluntarily donated their time to support the design and development of the project, working with AlConstruct. 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. Elmina Spot is also used as a training venue for Catalysts and staff. 34 EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
THE IGNITE The Ignite Programme is EduSpots’ pioneering community PROGRAMME: education programme, equipping 400 community-based volunteers named ‘Catalysts’ with the skills to run inclusive, engaging, and practical educational activities for learners of all ages, develop their community-owned learning spaces, and become active citizens and leaders, using the new EduSpots app and digital tools effectively in this process. PEER MENTORING EduSpots has run a Peer Mentoring Programme since 2021, PROGRAMME: with the aim of enabling existing experienced Catalysts to share learnings with the wider network in specific roles that also aim to advance their own professional development, network engagement, and impact at their Spots. Through the 2025 Catalyse Leadership Programme, CATALYST we enable 50 community-based Catalysts to catalyse PROGRAMME: change in their communities through their leadership of 50 community-owned library-education spaces named ‘Spots’, involving over 10,000 learners in fun, co-creative, and imaginative educational opportunities. SPOT FURNITURE: Our Spots have a list of classroom furniture (tables, chairs, bookshelves) needed at their centres, which will enable them to improve conditions for the children and their learning. Materials and resources such as additional furniture are all purchased or made locally wherever possible. | BOOKS: To purchase books by African authors and local textbooks suitable for primary, secondary, and young adult readers. We purchase books locally (in Ghana) wherever possible, selecting a range of exciting, established, and up-andcoming Ghanaian and wider African authors. DIGITALISATION: The aim is to equip all 50 Spots with at least one digital learning device, alongside the training and Spot visits needed to ensure that the impact of the technology is sustained.[i] SAFEGUARDING: Keeping Spots Safe is not just a strand of our work. It is a bold, community-rooted movement that is reimagining what safeguarding can mean in schools and communities across Ghana. Instead of treating safety as a policy checklist, it places care, trust, and youth voice at the centre of education. 35 EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION Statement of Public Benefit Going Concern The Trustees have referred to the guidance The Trustees are satisfied that the charity contained in the Charity Commission’s will continue to be a going concern for the general guidance on public benefit when foreseeable future 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 Policies and Reporting of the charity. EduSpots has a wide range of global Financial Review
EduSpots has a wide range of global Financial Review policies to guide our work and best practice, including on Anti-bribery, The charity’s total income during the Fraud, and Corruption, Safeguarding, year was £268,612 (2023: £180,296), of Financial Strategy and Internal Controls, which £108,094 (2023: £61,824 ) was Whistleblowing and Data Protection, unrestricted and £160,518 (2023: £118,472) which apply to EduSpots personnel and was restricted. Expenditure during the year operations in all global locations. We was £243,769 (2023: £148,248), of which have a clear incident reporting protocol £87,789 (2023: £70,818) was unrestricted agreed with the Board of Trustees. and £155,980 (2023: £77,430) was All staff are obliged to move through safeguarding and anti-fraud training restricted. Net income for the year stood annually, with all serious incidents at £24,843 (2023: £32,048), of which reported to donors and the Charity £20,305 (2023: -£8,994) was unrestricted Commission. and £4,538 (2023: £41,042) was restricted.
Serious Incidents Reserves Policy Despite our commitment to the prevention of misuse of funds and strong The trustees aim to hold 3 months of financial controls, the reality is that direct charitable expenditure as reserves, fraud continues to be a risk area for all which allow the charity to work efficiently organizations. In 2025, we discovered a and meet the needs of its members and material fraud on our partner, EduSpots activity participants. The unrestricted Ghana’s, Ecobank account, which is still funds available to the charity as of 31 under investigation. 100% of the money December 2024 were £35,199 (2023: lost in 2024 has been recovered in 2025. £14,894 restated). The funds were carried Further information can be found in the forward to be spent in future years. accounts section. This matter was shared with the UK Charity Commission, key donors, and the relevant authorities in Grant-making Approach Ghana, including the police.
EduSpots’ UK gives grants to EduSpots In 2025, we have reviewed all our financial Ghana in line with the agreements made policies and procedures, introduced with donor organisations and individuals, further anti-fraud and wider financial and in response to needs in line with our training for staff, and required EduSpots agreed Theory of Change 2025. EduSpots Ghana to tighten its financial controls on has a Community Grants Policy which the Ghana Ecobank account. covers the process for which communities apply for, spend and report on small community grants for items such as furniture, books and renovation work. 36
Trustee Responsibilities ee
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
c) make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
d) state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
e) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Trust will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Trust’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities
This report was approved by the Trustees on 22nd October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
AL eon Professor Gloria Agyemang Chair of Trustees, EduSpots UK
37
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
ANNUAL AWARDS 2024 Spot Award Winners 2024 These recognitions were given after reflecting on the Spot’s achievements and activity across the respective areas across 2024. AWARD SPOT Spot of the Year Ameyaw (Techiman) Spot Team of the Year Savelugu, (Runner-up: Akumadan) New Spot of the Year Wodome Akatsi Long-term Impact Award Abofour ~~—~~ Most Entrepreneurial Spot Sakasaka, (Runner-up: Akumadan) Keeping Spots Safe Awards Funkoe, Elmina, Akumadan, Nkonya, Bono Manso Strand Award Winners 2024 These awards were determined by participation in EduSpots’ monthly challenges across a year period, with a prize of 2000 cedis for the winner of each strand, to be spent on Spot resources. AWARD SPOT EduLit Club of the Year 1st Place Wodome Akatsi EduLit Club of the Year 2nd Place Ameyaw (Techiman) EduLit Club of the Year 3rd Place Abofour EcoSTEM Club of the Year 1st Place Akumadan EcoSTEM Club of the Year 2nd Place Abofour ~~——~~ EcoSTEM Club of the Year 3rd Place Agbledomi Ignite Equity Club of the Year 1st Place Ameyaw Ignite Equity Club of the Year 2nd Place Abofour Ignite Equity Club of the Year 3rd Place Ampatano EduKidz Club of the Year 1st Place Agbledomi EduKidz Club of the Year 2nd Place Ampatano EduKidz Club of the Year 3rd Place Ekumfi Spot Lead 1st Place Agbledomi Spot Lead 2nd Place Ejura Spot Lead 3rd Place Joska and Nkonya
Ameyaw Abofour Ampatano Agbledomi Ampatano Ekumfi Agbledomi Ejura Joska and Nkonya
38
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
| AWARD ~~=>~~ |
INDIVIDUALS ~~=>~~ |
SPOT ~~=>~~ |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst of the Year ~~=>~~ |
Janet Owusuaa Kakari ~~=>~~ |
(Ameyaw) ~~=>~~ |
| Youth Catalyst of the Year ~~=>~~ |
Alhassan Bako ~~=>~~ |
(Kalpohin) ~~=>~~ |
| Junior Catalyst of the Year ~~=>~~ |
Abdul Manaf Abdul Rahman ~~=>~~ |
(Abofour) ~~=>~~ |
| Learner of the Year 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up ~~=>~~ |
Hawawu Abdul Kaadri Abubakari Kabiru Lawrencia Eshun ~~=>~~ |
(Yamfo) (Sakasaka) (Ampatano) ~~=>~~ |
| Social Media Ambassador of the Year ~~=>~~ |
Gifty Dinbian ~~=>~~ |
(Akumadan) ~~=>~~ |
| Peer Mentors of the Year | Nimatu Abdul Rahman Abdul Wadud Suleiman |
|
| EduLit Catalyst of the Year | Janet Owusuaa Kakari | (Ameyaw) |
| EcoSTEM Catalyst of the Year | Joshua Agyemang | (Akumadan) |
| EduKidz Catalyst of the Year | Rita Otabil Mavis Apore |
(Ampatano) (Gomoa Manso) |
| Ignite Equity Catalyst of the Year Runner-Up |
Addae Amponsah Janet Bernice Bening |
(Abofour) (Ameyaw) |
| Spot Lead Catalyst of the Year | John Kofi Nuvormawor | (Agbledomi) |
| International Catalyst of the Year | Adeline Cheung | |
| Intern of the Year | Madeleine McBroom | |
| Exceptional contribution to EduSpots | Sarah Davis (3 years as voluntary Finance Officer) |
Regional Individual Award Winners 2024
These recognitions were given as a result of consistent all-round Catalyst activity, and commitment to the Spot and wider network.
| AWARD | INDIVIDUAL | SPOT |
|---|---|---|
| CATALYST OF THE YEAR, NORTHERN CLUSTER | ||
| Winner Runner-Up |
Adam Ibrahim Mohammed Fuseini |
(Savelugu) (Dulugu) |
| CATALYST OF THE YEAR,CENTRAL/WESTERN CLUSTER | ||
| Winner 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up |
Solomon Lartey Daniel Manso Rita Otabil |
(Funkoe) (Dadwen ) (Ampatano) |
| CATALYST OF THE YEAR(VOLTA CLUSTER) | ||
| Winner 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up |
John Nuvormawor Gabriel Katabo Rita Tuglo |
(Agbledomi) (Wodome Akatsi) (Metsrikasa) |
| CATALYST OF THE YEAR(MIDDLE CLUSTER) | ||
| Winner 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up |
Janet Owusuaa Kakari Kadir Hamid Enoch Tetteh Young |
(Ameyaw) (Yamfo) (Nkonya) |
39
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
Partner and Supporter Awards
These awards are given in recognition of some exceptional supporters, with thanks to all the individuals and organisations that funded our work in 2024.
AWARD
| AWARD | |
|---|---|
| Partner Organisation of the Year | mc2h foundation |
| Partner School of the Year | Sevenoaks School |
| EduChamp of the Year | Katie Couldrey |
| Supporter Group of the Year | Warwick University Economics Society |
We’re not just implementing a pre-set model. Our ideas and experiences are actively shaping how EduSpots evolves. It’s truly a collaborative effort.
(Catalyst, Ameyaw Spot, Independent Study, 2025)
40
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
SPOTLIGHTS
mc2h foundation
The mc2h foundation boldly confirmed their support in EduSpots through agreeing to a 3 year partnership focused on unrestricted funding.
The mc2h foundation have also introduced us to individuals who became advisory group members, nominated us for wider funding opportunities, acted as a referee for other applications and created a learning partnership with other education NGOs working in Northern Ghana
Sevenoaks School
Through the commitment of English teacher, Anne Durnford, Sevenoaks School have continued to provide weekly support through providing technical and design work support to the DigiLit education strand, also supporting fundraising events and wider ambassador work!
The Director of Teaching and Learning, Mark Beverley, has been a key supporter through EduSpots’ advisory group.
Katie Couldrey
Katie has been a consistent Ambassador for EduSpots’ work since its birth, constantly campaigning for EduSpots during campaigns such as the Big Give Campaign, and the 100 Club, also joining herself.
She has run fundraising auctions and given vital advice into our schools fundraising strategy; fundamentally, always cheering for the whole team along our journey!
41
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
OUR FUTURE PLANS The model’s ability to be replicated and the general benefits derived by the community indicate its potential to make a lasting impact in diverse contexts, positioning a EduSpots as a promoter of educational equity and community. (Expectation State, 2025)
After a decade of Catalysts and staff working hand in hand to shape our unique model for community-led education and strengthening our organizational systems, EduSpots is entering a bold new phase. The next phase will see 50 new Spots join through a process co-created with local leaders.
Keeping Spots Safe
We are also strengthening our Keeping Spots Safe certificate, ensuring that every learner and Catalyst understands their rights and responsibilities and has the tools, knowledge and understanding to raise their voice to affect change.
Community Leadership
This expansion directly responds to the growing demand from local teams seeking to join our network, amidst rising educational inequity, economic challenges and digital exclusion.
Finally, we are further developing our core leadership programmes, working alongside local leaders in strengthening community-based fundraising and income generation, also further embedding environmental sustainability and gender equity across the Spot model and wider programme design.
Education Hub
With an established tech-support Education Hub and a dedicated team of model and wider programme design. full-time specialists in place, we are fully equipped to grow efficiently, delivering increased impact while benefiting from economies of scale. In 10 years time, I’d like to become a staff of EduSpots, helping and mentoring great Catalysts like me. My Spot will have given birth to 10 more Spot and EduSpots will have thousands of Catalysts across the nation. (Abdul Manaf, Spark & Catalyst, Abofour Spot) + 42 EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
Be Part of the Change
In EduSpots, leadership is teamwork. I’ve truly learnt that we don’t have to do anything alone.
(Okomongye Diana, teacher and Catalyst, Savelugu Spot)
100 Club
JOIN THE 100 CLUB HERE.
Sustainable, long-term support is at the heart of EduSpots’ work. By joining The 100 Club, you commit to giving monthly, providing vital funding that allows us to plan with confidence. Your regular support helps us invest in the network of 400+ volunteer Catalysts and expand 50+ community-led Spots. As a member, you’ll receive special updates, invitations to key events and recognition for your role in powering a grassroots education movement. Join The 100 Club here.
Fundraising Campaigns
Big Give Christmas Challenge
Each December, EduSpots takes part in the UK’s biggest match-funding campaign. Donations made via our Big Give Page are doubled, meaning your support has twice the impact. In 2025, the campaign runs from midday 2 December to midday 9 December, a powerful way to make your giving go further.
43
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
Future of Education Challenge
Launched in 2025, the Future of Education Challenge invites schools, communities and supporters to explore how education can evolve in a fast-changing world. Participants build skills in research, creative design and teamwork while raising vital funds to support EduSpots. Apply to join the challenge.
APPLY TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE.
Join EduChamps
Our global community for anyone passionate about community-led education and international development. Support campaigns, fundraising and learning initiatives while turning curiosity into action through EduChamps Talks and our EduChamp of the Month recognition. No financial commitment, just learn, share and amplify our impact! Join EduChamps to be part of a vibrant network shaping the future of education.
44
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
Corporate & Business Partnerships
We are looking for businesses who want to make a lasting difference. From causerelated campaigns to employee fundraising and matched giving, we co-create initiatives that align business values with educational impact. Corporate support fuels our digital literacy programme, expands access to STEM and climate education and creates meaningful engagement opportunities for staff teams.
Philanthropy & Transformational Giving
EduSpots partners with donors, family trusts and foundations to drive transformational impact. Strategic gifts enable us to increase our impact across Ghana and Kenya, supporting systemic, community-led education. These highlevel partnerships are catalytic, shaping our next chapter and ensuring long-term, sustainable change.
Pro-Bono Volunteering
We welcome volunteers who can share professional skills through short-term, pro bono projects. From consultancy to training, communications to fundraising, your expertise can strengthen our team and help us grow our impact. Volunteering with EduSpots is flexible and collaborative, an opportunity to make a tangible difference while learning from a grassroots education movement.
Gifts-in-Kind
Practical support can be just as valuable as financial donations. We especially welcome gifts-in-kind that strengthen our programmes, such as books or digital devices, internet/data bundles, software or learning resources for our Digital Literacy Programme. These contributions directly support Catalysts and Learners, helping bridge the digital divide and expand access to future-ready opportunities.
If you would like to engage on any of the above points,
please email Cat Davison, CEO/Founder at info@eduspots.org
45
EduSpots in 2024: Our Annual Report
Let’s enable our learners to prepare for tomorrow, and aa not just today.
Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann
Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, National Televised Maths and Science Quiz Host, EduSpots’ Patron.
As EduSpots celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are planning to expand the network in 2026.
Email: info@eduspots.org if you would like to join us in building x 0 >. #OurCollectiveFuture!
www.eduspots.org