UBS, Fondation Botnar, and GPE Fuel Ghana’s $118.8M Learning Overhaul

On May 28, 2025, Ghana took a significant step toward transforming its education system with the launch of SCALE (System Change Architecture for Learning Excellence) at the Swiss Embassy in Accra. This innovative $118.8 million initiative aims to transform foundational learning for over 2 million children in 100 cocoa-producing districts. SCALE represents more than just increased funding; it signifies a fundamental shift in approach, integrating data-driven strategies with a strong focus on child welfare, equity, and community empowerment. Supported by a robust coalition of international education donors, cocoa industry participants, and the Ghanaian government, the initiative seeks to enhance academic standards while redefining the learning experience in Ghanaian classrooms.

The signing ceremony, attended by the Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu and Swiss Ambassador, Her Excellency Simone Giger, launched one of Africa’s most ambitious education reform efforts. This establishes a new benchmark for collaboration and systemic change.

A Unified Vision for Learning Excellence

SCALE is driven by a powerful and timely mission: to revolutionize foundational education in Ghana while reinforcing the country’s educational framework for long-term systemic improvement. The initiative targets not just to enhance literacy and numeracy for primary school students but also to foster their social and emotional growth, cultivate well-rounded individuals who can prosper in a rapidly evolving world.

At its heart, SCALE embodies a new model of collaborative philanthropy, harnessing the strengths and resources from diverse stakeholders: government, non-profits, multilateral entities, and the private sector for maximum impact.

Tom Hall, CEO of the UBS Optimus Foundation, highlighted this approach: “We believe that the most effective form of giving comes through collaboration. Enhanced coordination increases efficiency by minimizing redundancy, streamlining operations, and utilizing each partner’s strengths and adaptability. Together, we can address multiple root issues simultaneously.”

A Multi-Million-Dollar Commitment to Ghana’s Future

The SCALE initiative has secured an impressive $118.8 million in funding:

• An initial $40 million was raised by the SCALE consortium, which incorporates over 10 cocoa and chocolate companies along with leading philanthropic organizations.
• This amount was matched by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), resulting in a total of $80 million.
• An additional $38.8 million was allocated through the Early Learning Partnership Multi-Donor Trust and GPE to expand the program’s reach.

This funding will enable SCALE to widen its impact from the initially targeted 10,000 schools under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) to 16,000 schools and 14,700 kindergartens. The program’s growth aims to significantly improve access, equity, and quality of basic education in rural and underserved communities, especially where cocoa production is prevalent and challenges such as poverty, underfunded schools, and child labour are common.

Promoting Evidence-Based and Inclusive Learning

SCALE is firmly grounded in evidence-based methodologies and aims to embed data-driven decision-making within Ghana’s education landscape. A key innovation within the program is the creation of the Ghana Education Evidence and Data Lab (GEEDLab) under the Ministry of Education, which will function as a national research and policy facility that will continuously evaluate educational interventions and informs ongoing enhancements.

According to an official statement from the Jacobs Foundation, one of the primary philanthropic partners. SCALE is committed to:  Enhancing local ownership of school improvement initiatives, Encouraging the use of research-based practices to improve educational outcomes, Empowering school leaders and educators to adapt learning strategies to their local contexts, and  Establishing “Communities of Excellence” for the exchange and scaling of best practices.

Andrea Studer, CEO of Fondation Botnar, emphasized the holistic nature of the initiative: “At Fondation Botnar, we believe that education systems should enable young people to thrive collectively in a dynamic world. This requires addressing broader issues beyond academics, including supporting wellbeing and essential life skills such as empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. SCALE embodies this goal by prioritizing social and emotional learning, bolstering local systems, and ensuring actions are evidence-based.”

Transforming Cocoa Communities through Education

Cocoa farming regions in Ghana supplying some of the world’s foremost chocolate brands often face challenges such as low literacy rates, child labour, and inadequate educational resources. SCALE directly addresses these issues by ensuring that children in these communities receive high-quality foundational education aligned with global standards.

Private sector partners involved in the initiative include: Barry Callebaut Sourcing AG, Ferrero International SA, Hershey Trading GmbH, Lindt & Sprüngli (International) AG, Mars, Mondelez Europe GmbH, Nestle (Nestrade),  Sucden, Tony’s Chocolonely Foundation, and Touton SA.

These companies are not only providing funding; they are genuinely invested in ethical cocoa sourcing and recognize that empowering future generations through education is crucial for the sustainability of their supply chains. This alignment of values demonstrates how industries can actively participate in social development.

Conclusion

SCALE represents more than just a program. It signifies a transformative shift. It redefines the approach to educational development, advocating for integrated systemic reform rather than fragmented projects, relying on data and co-ownership by local stakeholders. Its focus on collaborative governance, policy coherence, and multi-sectoral engagement positions it as a potential model for other African countries confronting similar educational obstacles.

As the initiative progresses, it will showcase how cross-sector collaborations founded on trust and common objectives can lead to transformative outcomes for learners, communities, and nations. With an estimated 2 million children set to benefit, the SCALE initiative is positioned to reshape the educational landscape of Ghana for future generations.

 

WRITTEN BY: WISDOM KOUDJO KLU,

EDUCATION EXPERT/COLUMNIST,

GREATER ACCRA REGION.

[email protected]