The Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and UNICEF, has hosted a high-level validation workshop at the University of Ghana to present findings from the midline evaluation of the Differentiated Learning Plus (DL Plus) programme. The event brought together educators, researchers, policymakers, and development partners to reflect on the impact of the initiative on foundational learning across Ghana.
A cross-section of participants
The workshop, forming part of ongoing efforts to improve literacy and numeracy among young learners, also served as a platform to assess the effectiveness of DL Plus, identify implementation challenges, and share lessons for future expansion. Key stakeholders from the University of Ghana, GES, UNICEF, and local government emphasised the power of partnerships in achieving educational excellence and delivering quality learning for every Ghanaian child.
Dr. Innocent S.K. Agbelie, Research Fellow at LECERP
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Director of LECERP, Dr. Innocent S.K. Agbelie, Research Fellow at LECERP, underscored the critical role collaboration plays in driving educational change. “This collaborative initiative between LECERP, Ghana Education Service and UNICEF is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving educational excellence,” he stated. Dr Agbelie expressed hope that the workshop would promote meaningful dialogue on the midline findings and commended the commitment of all stakeholders. He urged participants to “seize this opportunity to learn from each other and advance our shared goal of delivering quality education for every child in Ghana.”
Ms. Agnes Arthur, Education Specialist
Highlighting the programme’s impact, Ms. Agnes Arthur, Education Specialist at UNICEF, described DL Plus as a transformative model that addresses the persistent challenges of foundational literacy and numeracy in early education. “DL is more than just a pedagogical model, but a promise to empower minds, bridge gaps and ensure every child in Ghana’s right,” she remarked. Ms. Arthur also revealed that results from the 2024 midline evaluation showed a remarkable 76% improvement in English proficiency among pupils in 501 participating schools; an increase from 24% to 60% in just one academic year.
Mr. Isaac Yeboah, GES focal person for the programme
Mr. Isaac Yeboah, the GES focal person for the programme, traced DL Plus’s origins to the Targeted Instruction initiative launched in 2018. He expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its sustained support and spotlighted the programme’s expansion to over 500 schools. “We cannot stop thanking UNICEF for what they are doing for the Ghanaian child,” he remarked, citing notable improvements in students’ foundational skills.
Mr. Joseph Nkansah, College Registrar, College of Education
Speaking on behalf of the Provost of the College of Education, Mr. Joseph Nkansah, College Registrar, extended a warm welcome to participants and underscored the significance of the tripartite collaboration between the University of Ghana, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and UNICEF. He introduced the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP) as the College’s pioneering research centre, lauding its early milestones, which include securing competitive grants and successfully convening high-level workshops.
Dr. Joyce Anku, Department of Teacher Education
Leading the presentation of the midline evaluation findings, Dr. Joyce Anku, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Teacher Education, discussed both the successes and the challenges of the DL Plus initiative. She highlighted improvements in teaching effectiveness and learner progression, particularly aided by the DL Plus dashboard. However, she pointed out significant challenges such as limited access to technology, erratic electricity supply, and poor internet connectivity, which hindered full participation. “Only 60% of key stakeholders, including parents and community members, are able to navigate the dashboard despite being aware of it,” Dr. Anku observed. She stressed the importance of community engagement for the programme’s sustainability: “I keep stressing the community because we really need their support if this programme is to continue in the future.”
Panellists engaged in a lively discussion during the session
A panel discussion added further depth to the conversation, with insights from Dr. Joseph Cobbinah, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Educational Studies and Leadership, University of Ghana; Mrs. Judith Amoateng Ennin, Director of Education for Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly; and Mr. Charles Odoom, Director of Education for Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly. Panellists addressed persistent challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and limited teaching resources and collectively called for innovation, community participation, and ongoing teacher training programmes to improve learning outcomes.
Participants working in their respective groups
Participants also broke into groups to discuss key aspects of the DL Plus programme, presenting their findings in an open forum. A cultural interlude featuring a musical performance by children from DL Plus schools added a celebratory tone to the event.
A captivating performance by pupils from DL Plus schools
The Ghana Education Service (GES), through its officials present at the event, expressed its profound appreciation for the remarkable success and continued expansion of the Differentiated Learning (DL) initiative. According to the Service, the programme now reaches over 736 schools nationwide, with a further 6,000 schools set to benefit through the enhanced DL Plus intervention.
Mr. Charles Obeng Asante, a senior official of the GES, attributed this progress to the exemplary leadership of Mr. Charles Odoom, Director of Education for the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly. He recounted a crucial moment during a visit by World Bank officials, where a demonstration lesson by a teacher in Mr. Odoom’s district helped secure additional support for the initiative. “The DL Plus intervention has been in operation for some time now and the impact it continues to make is truly inspiring,” Mr. Asante noted. “We must share this success story with the world.”
As part of the event, the new DL Plus website, dlghana.edu.gh, was officially launched. Mr. Mark Anibrika, also from the GES Partnership and Affiliation Unit, presented the platform, which serves as a hub for educators to share content, showcase classroom activities, and access self-paced training through a Learning Management System. Though still under development in some areas, the website promises to be a vital hub for educators and a significant boost to the visibility of the DL Plus programme.
A cross-section of participants
The validation workshop concluded on a hopeful note, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to collaboration and innovation as the DL Plus initiative continues to transform foundational learning and advance educational equity for all children in Ghana.
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