We have engaged with many stakeholders over recent months as we have laid the foundations for the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF). The insights and feedback we have received have been invaluable during this crucial design phase. Now, as we move into the next chapter and look towards launching our first programs, we are initiating a formal consultation process.
From October 28th to November 10th, 2019, we will be collecting feedback from a range of stakeholders globally on our design guide. To simplify the process, we have created an online form that can be filled out.
The last few months have been an incredibly exciting time for us. We are thrilled that we are in the final stages of the design of a $30 million outcomes program in Ghana. Our first program is focused on two challenges: supporting out-of-school children to get back into school; and improving learning for students in school. We are nearing completion of the detailed design, and we expect the program to be launched in April 2020 (prior to the 2020-2021 school year) pending final internal approvals and arrangements amongst our partners.
As we move forward in Ghana, we are also looking ahead to other projects in the pipeline, with scoping studies currently underway in two additional countries. We are also currently finalizing the longer-term institutional hosting of our outcomes fund, and we will provide a more detailed update soon. With our growing team of experts and input from the advisory board, we are continuing to strengthen EOF’s impact.
This is truly a pivotal moment for EOF. We have been so energized by the excitement and enthusiasm we have heard from host governments, donors, outcomes funders, investors and other partners. It is clear that there is a huge appetite for outcomes-based funding in education, and we are excited to be on the leading edge of a new approach, which we believe could be truly game-changing.