eBASE, effective basic services:Foundational Learning Data and Evidence Community of Practice

Across Cameroon, data on foundational learning is generated every day by schools, civil society organisations, researchers and government agencies. The problem is not a shortage of data. It is that this data is fragmented, unevenly trusted and rarely synthesised into evidence that reaches the people who need it most.

In response to this challenge, the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB), in partnership with eBASE Africa and as part of the Unlocking Data Initiative (UDI), established Regional Communities of Practice on Foundational Learning Data. These CoPs are permanent, ministry-led, multi-stakeholder platforms designed to strengthen the routine use of data and evidence for improving foundational learning outcomes.

The CoP brings together government officials, civil society organisations, researchers, local councils, school heads and teachers to collaboratively produce, share and use FLN data. MINEDUB chairs the CoP. eBASE Africa serves as Technical Secretariat.

The Communities of Practice work towards the following objectives:

• Build and document effective approaches to collaborative data use that can be scaled across regions and nationally.
• Strengthen the capacity of policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and civil society to access, interpret, and use data for decision‑making.
• Facilitate knowledge mobilization through regular meetings, thematic discussions, and evidence sprints.
• Advance equity and inclusion in data collection, analysis, and use, ensuring that marginalized groups are represented and their needs addressed.

The CoP operates through four core activities that build on each other across each cycle:

1. Learning Agenda: Members jointly identify the region’s most pressing evidence gaps and formulate priority research questions that guide all CoP activities for the cycle.
2. Evidence Rush: Members assess existing evidence against the Learning Agenda using a traffic light approach, making visible where evidence is strong, partial or weak.
3. Evidence Sprints: Focused, time-bound sessions where members collaborate to synthesise evidence on priority questions and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Findings, lessons and recommendations are documented and shared with MINEDUB and all stakeholders through reports, briefs and this platform.

Membership in the Community of Practice is open to all stakeholders in the region committed to improving foundational learning through data and evidence.

CoP members include:

• Regional and divisional officials of MINEDUB
• National Institute of Statistics (INS) and other government agencies
• Researchers and academia
• Civil society organisations (CSOs) and NGOs
• Councils, regional assemblies, and local authorities
• School heads and teachers

For Government Officials

Access diverse data sources beyond official statistics, strengthen policy feedback loops, build trusted partnerships, and improve data literacy for better planning and resource allocation.

For CSOs and NGOs

Direct channels to policymakers, increased visibility of field evidence, opportunities for collaboration, alignment with government data standards, and joint resource mobilization.

For Researchers and Academia

Closer alignment with policy priorities, access to field sites and data, pathways for research uptake, and opportunities for collaborative, policy‑relevant research.

For Councils and Local Authorities

Evidence to inform planning, budgeting, and oversight, stronger advocacy for local needs, and partnerships for locally led initiatives.

For School Heads and Teachers

A platform to share classroom realities, access to learning insights and professional development, peer exchange, and participation in pilots and innovations.