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Data Philanthropy Partners with buildOn for Global Educational Impact

In an innovative partnership aimed at addressing educational inequality, Data Philanthropy has announced a significant investment of $1.2 million into buildOn, a nonprofit organization known for uniting communities through education and service. This collaboration focuses on constructing schools and enhancing data systems to strengthen long-term educational impact across several underserved nations.

The partnership will allocate $980,000 for the creation of 20 new schools in Burkina Faso, Guatemala, Haiti, Malawi, and Senegal, with construction expected to commence in 2025. In addition, the project includes an investment of $220,000 to upgrade buildOn's Global Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems. This enhancement is crucial for measuring the effectiveness of educational programs, allowing for continuous improvements and greater accountability over time.

Prioritizing Accessibility and Quality Education

Jed Nahum, Vice President of Metrics at Data Philanthropy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "We're excited to invest in buildOn's mission to end poverty and illiteracy by funding these twenty schools. BuildOn's dedication to improving their educational outcomes aligns perfectly with Data Philanthropy's focus on data-driven contributions to social good."

Carrie Pena, COO of buildOn, highlighted the dual impact of the funding. "Data Philanthropy’s contribution is significant not just because it helps us build schools, but also because it enables us to create sustainable systems for measuring and magnifying our impact through data. Together, we’re committed to expanding access to safe, quality education while ensuring these classrooms transform lives for generations."

Since its inception in 1991, buildOn has made significant strides in combating educational inequities. With nearly 3,000 schools established across some of the world’s poorest nations, buildOn has successfully enrolled over 383,000 children and adults in educational programs. The organization's model seamlessly combines local community engagement with global outreach, emphasizing the power of education as a tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.

The Role of Data in Education

Data Philanthropy advocates that inequality often stems from disparities in access to vital opportunities, especially in education. By harnessing data and evidence-based strategies, the foundation aims to develop repeatable programs that confront barriers and promote access to education for all. The partnership with buildOn exemplifies this mission, as both organizations aim to tackle significant educational challenges through systematic enhancements and new infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

As construction on the new schools in Africa and Central America progresses, the partnership expects to not only expand the physical infrastructure of education but also improve the overall quality and impact of learnings within those classrooms. With additional data monitoring and evaluation systems in place, buildOn can significantly enhance its programs based on measured outcomes, thus further solidifying its commitment to educational equity.

By working together, Data Philanthropy and buildOn are paving the way for healthier, more educated communities that can transform lives and build brighter futures for children all around the globe.

This investment is not merely financial; it reflects a profound commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their economic status or geographic location, has access to a safe and high-quality education, reinforcing the ongoing impact of partnerships grounded in resource allocation and strategic planning to combat inequality.