Learning poverty in Kenya is widespread, with 30% of Grade 6 learners unable to meet expectations in a Grade 3 appropriate task. (Usawa Agenda, 2024). Teachers play a critical role in addressing learning poverty,LeadNow targets teachers and instructional leaders in marginalized communities (rural, semi-arid areas, and urban informal settlements) to bridge the mindset, competency and practice gap
LeadNow addresses the learning crisis by offering critical support that improves the quality of teaching and learning. The World Bank (2018) in response to rising learning poverty, highlighted three areas of intervention - effective school leadership that is focused on learning, teacher development and support, and improved pedagogical practice. LeadNow supports all three of these by providing individualized, data-driven training and coaching to teachers and school leaders that is driven by insights from 15 years of impact. An external evaluation of Dignitas’ in-person programming (ZiziAfrique, 2018) found three critical levers of transformation that had impacted children’s learning - instructional leadership, learner engagement, and school and classroom culture. These three have become the pillars of Dignitas’ program design, implementation and evaluation, including for LeadNow.
In the last two years LeadNow was used by 3497 teachers and instructional leaders across Nairobi, Machakos, Homabay and Kajiado Counties, impacting 89,000 children in 505 schools who are marginalized in ways that compromise the quality of their education. 35% of instructional leaders using LeadNow record above mastery across all domains, measured in classroom observations. Advancements in teacher competencies, such as effective questioning techniques, and creating safe learner spaces contribute to enhancements in learners' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Classrooms employing LeadNow showcase an impressive 11% increase in learners meeting or exceeding expectations in 21st-century skills. LeadNow also boasts average completion rates of 83%.
If you're interested in trying LeadNow, simply reach out to lead.now@dignitasproject.org . A Dignitas representative will then get in touch with you to schedule a demo, where you'll receive a comprehensive walkthrough of how LeadNow operates.