eBASE, effective basic services:Unlocking Data Community of Practice

Unlocking Data Community of Practice

Ministry‑Led Regional Communities of Practice on Foundational Learning Data Use

The Unlocking Data Communities of Practice (CoPs) are ministry‑led, multi‑stakeholder platforms that bring together government, civil society, researchers, local authorities, and educators to improve how data and evidence are generated, shared, and used for decision‑making in foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN).

What Is the Community of Practice?

The Community of Practice (CoP) is a ministry‑led, collaborative platform established by the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB) as part of the Unlocking Data Initiative.

Its purpose is to

  • Facilitate peer learning and collaboration
  • Strengthen capacity to use education data
  • Support joint problem‑solving
  • Promote the routine use of evidence in policy, planning, and practice

Ultimately, the CoP aims to improve foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes for all children, especially those in underserved and marginalized communities.

What the CoP Seeks to Achieve

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.

How the CoP Works

The Community of Practice serves as a practical, action‑oriented space to:

  • Identify and analyze key foundational learning challenges at regional level.
  • Review and interpret data from multiple sources, including:Education Management

Information System (SIGE)

National Institute of Statistics (INS) surveys

Learning assessments (e.g. PASEC)

NGO, CSO, and academic research

Locally generated school and community data

  • Develop and implement a regional learning agenda.
  • Conduct evidence sprints — focused, collaborative problem‑solving sessions on priority issues.
  • Share findings and recommendations with MINEDUB at regional and national levels.
  • Document and disseminate stories of data‑informed decision‑making and successful innovations.

Who Is Involved?

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

Value for Different Stakeholders

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.