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Apply now to join the Luminos Method Learning Lab, a new initiative for community-based organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa focused on advancing foundational learning. The Luminos Method Learning Lab provides hands-on training in evidence-based practices and targeted funding to accelerate our mission of ensuring all children have equal access to joyful, foundational learning.

Overview of the Luminos Method Learning Lab
The Luminos Method Learning Lab is committed to advancing foundational learning for children on the margins through two key objectives:

1. Providing hands-on training to help organizations learn from elements of the Luminos Method – a collection of resources on evidence-based practices that improve student learning and transform education for the most vulnerable children.
2. Allocating seed grants to help selected organizations adapt and apply these practices in their own contexts.

Key Components of the Learning Lab
Learning Through Luminos Method Elements
Selected organizations participate in a series of virtual training workshops focused on five elements of the Luminos Method, providing participants with insights on how to apply these practices in their organizations’ education programs. Learn more about each element:

Joyful Learning: The Joyful Learning Element of the Luminos Method describes how we create a safe and inclusive environment where students can feel comfortable and enjoy learning. Our engaging and meaningful lessons provide students with knowledge and skills through a process that empowers them. By using these methods, we believe it’s possible to change students’ perception of education to something that is joyful, resulting in better learning outcomes and equipping them with a love of learning that will continue to benefit them throughout their lives.

Community Teachers: The Community Teachers element of the Luminos Method is our response to a global challenge: the world desperately needs more teachers, with UNESCO estimating that almost 69 million teachers need to be recruited to achieve universal education by 2030. We believe minimally trained, but well-supported teachers drawn from the same low-income communities we serve can play a critical role in reaching the most vulnerable children and enabling them to catch up with their peers.

Phonics for First-Generation Readers: The Phonics for First-Generation Readers element of the Luminos Method provides an overview of our approach to foundational literacy, including the important role of phonics for first-generation readers. While phonics is not the only aspect of our lessons that contributes to our students’ strong progress with reading and writing, we believe phonics is an essential component of any literacy program.

Teacher-led Assessments: The Teacher-Led Assessment element of the Luminos Method reflects our experience across multiple country programs, and highlights the best practices in assessment to help keep students’ learning on track. We believe that equipping teachers with the skills and tools they need to conduct regular assessments empowers them to ensure that all students in their classroom are receiving the support they need, resulting in dramatically higher learning outcomes.

Iterative Design: The Iterative Design element of the Luminos Method details how we have established a culture and capacity for iterative design. This includes a deep commitment to an ongoing journey of program design, learning, and adaptation; a singular mission and consistent classroom-level implementation; data and analytics expertise; a staff commitment to excellence and a staffing structure to match; and community partners and government officials who are on the iterative journey with us.

Immersive Luminos Classroom Visits
The Luminos Method Learning Lab includes a three-day Luminos classroom visit, where representatives from selected organizations can experience the Luminos Method in action. Participants will learn from experts who manage program operations and implementation, gaining valuable insights into effective education practices and understanding how to apply these methods in their own contexts.

A Seed Grant for Implementation
Selected organizations also receive a seed grant of up to $35,000 to incorporate elements of the Luminos Method into their education programs. The grant implementation period is for one year from March 2025 to March 2026. Organizations are also required to participate in monitoring and reporting activities to track the implementation and impact of the grant.

Eligibility Criteria
- NGOs and nonprofit organizations based in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Organizations with an annual operational budget of less than USD 500,000.
- Organizations with a focus on foundational learning and/or early-grade education.
- Organizations must demonstrate local leadership with the majority of the leadership team being from the country of operations. Note that the local offices of international organizations can be eligible.
- Organizations must have a demonstrated track record of working in at least one Sub-Saharan Africa country for a minimum of two years.
- Organizations must demonstrate impact through at least one past project or program.

Application Process
Organizations that meet all the eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by October 6, 2024. Please submit your Expression of Interest by using the button at the top of the page.