INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FUNDERS GROUP GATHERING: A NIGHT OF MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS AND INSIGHTS  

By Mandela Atibila, AfriKids Partnership Manager

April 2025

There’s an old saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of the recent Ghana chapter of the International Education Funders Group (IEFG) meeting, where funders and development partners supporting organisations working in the education sector in Ghana came together to forge new connections, learn more about each other’s work, discuss synergies and reaffirm the importance of collaboration to achieve long-term and sustainable impact. 

Hosted by the IEFG, the event was a masterclass in networking. It wasn’t a long-winded conference filled with back-to-back PowerPoint presentations. Instead, it was a buzzing, fast-paced evening where conversations flowed naturally, and people wasted no time making meaningful connections. Some came with a clear plan, eager to meet specific partners, while others were pleasantly surprised to discover organisations that aligned with their vision. The result? A night of learning, sharing, and planting the seeds for future collaboration. 

A Common Thread: Community at the Heart of Change 

For AfriKids and Global Fund for Children (GFC); both recipients of flexible funding thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the most exciting aspect of the evening was seeing how much we share in common when it comes to our approach; one that puts people first. At AfriKids, we believe that real change happens when communities are empowered to take charge of their own development. This means collaborating with people, not just for them. It’s about listening to local voices, strengthening existing structures, and ensuring that every solution is rooted in the lived experiences of the people it seeks to serve. 

AfriKids has over 20 years’ experience of driving community-owned change, leveraging the power at every level of society to see improvements in children’s education and safety. Our learnings reinforce the growing shift towards locally-led solutions, demonstrating that when communities take ownership of change, it is not only more impactful, but also more sustainable. Events like the International Education Funders Group (IEFG) Great Grantees Gathering provide the perfect space to reflect on this and share knowledge that can accelerate the transition to truly community-powered development. 

This was also echoed in our conversations with mc2h Foundation (a funder of our work) and EduSpots, both of whom share this ethos. mc2h Foundation, which supports vulnerable children, especially in the early years space in West Africa, believes in “accompaniment”, walking alongside communities as they build their own solutions. Similarly, Global Fund for Children is committed to supporting grassroots organisations, recognising that those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. It was inspiring to hear how others are championing locally-led change in different corners of the world. Whether it’s supporting community schools, advocating for children’s rights, or creating safe spaces for young people to thrive, the message was clear: real, lasting impact comes from within communities, not from outside interventions imposed upon them.  

More than Just Conversations: Meaningful Takeaways 

Beyond the handshakes and exchanged business cards, the evening left us with some powerful reflections: 

1. Networking Needs to Be Intentional 
   Too often, organisations work in silos, missing out on opportunities to learn from one another. This event reminded us how crucial it is to step outside our own bubbles. Some of the most meaningful connections came not from pre-planned meetings but from spontaneous conversations that sparked new ideas and potential collaborations. 

2. Donors Are Searching for the Right Partners—Just Like We Are 
   Many of us assume that the challenge of securing funding lies solely with implementers, but this event made one thing clear: donors are equally invested in finding the right partners. They, too, are looking for organisations that align with their mission, share their values, and can deliver sustainable impact. This reinforces the importance of clearly communicating our work and staying visible in these spaces. 

3. Community-Led Solutions Are the Future 
   Across the board, there was an undeniable shift in mindset: top-down approaches are no longer the way forward. Funders and implementers alike are recognising that real development happens when people drive the change they want to see. From grassroots movements to national policy shifts, sustainable progress is built on community ownership. 

A Night Well Spent—And the Work Continues 

A sign of a truly great event is when people are so engaged that they forget to eat—and that’s exactly what happened! The small chops and drinks remained untouched for much of the evening as people focused on conversations. It wasn’t until later, when partners felt they had made enough meaningful connections, that they finally turned their attention to the refreshments. 

We are grateful to Leonora Dowley and the International Education Funders Group (IEFG) Ghana chapter for hosting such a well-organised and well-attended gathering. It served as a powerful reminder that, no matter where we come from or what specific issue we work on, we are all united by a common goal: empowering communities to lead their own transformation. 

As we move forward, we will continue to nurture these new relationships, explore opportunities for collaboration, and ensure that our work remains grounded in the voices of the people we serve. Because at the end of the day, real change isn’t about grand speeches or big budgets—it’s about people coming together, listening to one another, and taking action together. 

Here’s to stronger partnerships, deeper impact, and a future where every community has the power to shape its own destiny.