We are a learning organization striving to support national education agendas through collaboration and partnerships
We are an active funder and champion of the role played by the affordable non-state sector in complementing state provision to meet national education goals
As a family foundation, we’re agile enough to fund and invest in programs and organizations where an assumed risk may prevent other donors participating.
We’re passionate about strengthening the global education system via an all-hands-on-deck approach, giving children in all settings access to quality education. As an international team with a long-standing presence in Ghana, we’re focused on thinking outside-the-box on the issues impacting learning outcomes in low to lower-middle income countries.
Our focus is two-fold. Firstly, for the mixed economy of education provision – and the contribution of non-state actors – to be recognized and integrated into national education discourse, so that all providers receive tailored support. Secondly, we focus on actively funding organizations who support low-fee private schools today, while telling the story of their organic nature by empowering the voice of local actors and beneficiaries.
Greater access to quality education for all children in underserved communities
Our mission is to participate in building a sustainable education ecosystem that embraces a mixed economy of provision, and caters for all children through access to finance for low-fee private schools, quality interventions and advocacy in Africa and beyond.
We are an active funder and champion for the complementary role that the non-state education sector plays in supporting national education systems. We are also a learning organization striving to respond to the needs of the parts of the education sector that are so often overlooked. Although deeply connected and committed to the global education movement, our independence gives us the freedom to think big, be led by our partners, and empower local actors to test, learn and adapt, to accelerate progress.
We empower local actors to create change
Education is prioritized as the key to breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty, by ensuring all children have access to a quality education provided by a well-organized system that encompasses both the public and private sectors.
Building capability beyond aid is the most effective answer
Designing market-based solutions for the underprivileged supports economic development
Working in partnership and empowering local communities is key to sustainability
Advocating for effective alliances harnesses the power of the collective
Being prepared to embrace risks leads to more inclusive results
Acting as a catalyst leverages further funding
Our global team are located in the US, Ghana and the UK, working closely together with our peers and partners
“Our motivation has always been to avoid aid dependency – which would ultimately perpetuate the cycle of need – and instead support local microfinanciers in the creation of loan products for low-fee private schools. Coupled with this is financial and management training, as well as pedagogical approaches for teaching, resulting in more children accessing a quality basic education.”
“We would love for public education to be free, universal and excellent – but the reality is that there are millions of children who are not being served by that ideological idea of public education. Independent low-fee private schools are organically striving to fill the gap, yet this sector of education provision lacks recognition, integration, and support. Ignoring their role and their needs means shutting the door on a lot of people.”
