The Innovation Development Progress Foundation (IDPF) has announced a three-year, $1.6 million commitment to launch an effort focused on improving quality and learning outcomes in non-formal schools in Kenya.

The Ongoza program, named for the Kiswahili word for “lead,” will be run in partnership with Dignitas and Premier Credit Ltd. to provide financial support, train school leaders, and improve teachers’ ability to deliver Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum. Teacher training will target an initial cohort of 69 schools selected from the Kasarani, Kiserian, Rongai, Ngong, Embakasi, and Kayole areas. In addition to IDPF’s initial investment, Premier Credit has committed $2 million in private financing, which will be used for 3,000 loans in support of more than 1,000 school owners and over 115,000 children from low-income communities in Kenya. 

“IDP Foundation has always been committed to partnerships that drive sustainable solutions to education shortfalls in low- and middle-income countries. We are proud that the Ongoza program, much like our Rising Schools Program in Ghana, is centered around empowering local actors, such as the education entrepreneurs who have responded to their community’s need for more schools,” said IDPF chief executive Corina Gardner. “Through our local partners, we are committed to improving learning outcomes in marginalized communities while complementing the Kenyan government’s education agenda.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/epicurean)