Mindcraft Coaching Foundation

Who (first and last name) is the Team Lead for your application and LEAP Project?

Johnson Ajayi

Describe the role the Team Lead plays in your organization. [100-200 words recommended]

As the Team Lead of Mindcraft Coaching Foundation, Johnson Ajayi plays a pivotal role in guiding the organisation's strategic direction and overseeing the implementation of its programs and initiatives. 

Johnson's responsibilities include leading program development and design, cultivating partnerships with stakeholders and donors, managing day-to-day operations, and providing mentorship and support to the team. With his background in mathematics and software engineering, Johnson brings a unique blend of technical expertise and passion for education to his role. He is deeply committed to empowering children in slum communities through STEM education, and his leadership ensures that the organization remains focused on its mission of creating positive change in the lives of underserved youth.

Explain how your Team Lead and supporting team members are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, given other priorities within your organization. [300-500 words - recommended]

Our Team Lead, Johnson Ajayi, and our supporting team members are exceptionally well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project while managing other priorities within Mindcraft Coaching Foundation. Johnson's leadership and expertise in mathematics, software engineering, and community development uniquely qualify him to oversee the LEAP Project's implementation and ensure its success. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing children in slum communities and a passion for leveraging STEM education to drive positive change, Johnson is dedicated to maximizing the impact of our SmartSlum STEM Initiative.

Johnson is supported by a talented team of facilitators, educators, and community outreach coordinators who bring diverse skills and experiences to the table. Our team members have backgrounds in education, technology, community engagement, and project management, allowing us to approach the LEAP Project from multiple angles and address the complex needs of our target population effectively.

Despite other priorities within our organisation, such as program expansion, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement, our team is committed to dedicating the time and resources necessary to support the LEAP Project. We recognise the importance of this opportunity to strengthen the evidence base of our education solution and improve learning outcomes for children in slum communities. Therefore, we will prioritise the LEAP Project and allocate sufficient resources to ensure its success.

Our team's collaborative approach and strong communication skills enable us to work efficiently and effectively together, even when balancing multiple priorities. We regularly engage in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project planning workshops to ensure that everyone is aligned with our goals and responsibilities. This collaborative spirit will be instrumental in driving the LEAP Project forward and achieving our desired outcomes.

Our organisation has a track record of successfully managing similar initiatives and partnerships. We have experience collaborating with external stakeholders, implementing evidence-based programs, and leveraging research findings to inform our approach. This experience positions us well to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the LEAP Project and maximize its impact on our organisation and the communities we serve.

One-line solution summary: In 20 words or less, summarize your organization's product or program that is the focus of your LEAP Project.

SmartSlums STEM Initiative empowers children in rural and slum communities with donated laptops and digital curriculum for hands-on STEM education.

Define the problem that your solution seeks to solve. [300-500 words recommended]

Globally, slum communities face significant learning challenges, with approximately 1 billion people residing in informal settlements lacking adequate infrastructure and basic services. Among these residents, children bear a disproportionate burden, encountering barriers to accessing quality education. UNESCO estimates that around 262 million children and youth are out of school globally, with a significant portion residing in urban slums. These children often face limited access to education due to the absence of formal educational institutions or overcrowded and under-resourced schools.

In Ibadan, Nigeria, slum communities grapple with similar learning challenges. In areas such as the Northeast and Southeast LGAs, inadequate educational facilities exacerbate educational inequalities, limiting children's opportunities for academic advancement. High levels of poverty and unemployment create additional barriers to learning, as families struggle to afford school fees and necessary learning materials.

The socio-economic impact of these educational limitations is profound, extending far beyond the individual child. Without access to quality education, children in slum communities are more likely to remain trapped in the cycle of poverty, perpetuating intergenerational disadvantage. Limited educational opportunities hinder their ability to acquire essential skills and knowledge needed for future employment, ultimately contributing to increased unemployment rates and economic instability within these communities.

Moreover, the consequences of inadequate education extend beyond economic factors, impacting social cohesion and community well-being. Children who are unable to access quality education are more vulnerable to engaging in negative behaviors and social vices as they grow older. Without meaningful opportunities for personal and intellectual development, they may be drawn into activities such as substance abuse, crime, and gang involvement, further exacerbating social tensions and contributing to the cycle of poverty and marginalization.

In the absence of interventions to address these systemic issues, the long-term consequences for slum communities in Ibadan and beyond are dire. Without access to quality education and opportunities for socio-economic advancement, children in these communities are at risk of perpetuating the cycle of poverty, exacerbating social inequalities, and undermining the potential for sustainable development and prosperity. It is imperative that targeted initiatives, such as the SmartSlums STEM Initiative, are implemented to break this cycle and empower children with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive.

Describe your solution and how it works in simple terms. [300-500 words recommended]

The SmartSlums STEM Initiative is a multifaceted educational program aimed at empowering children in slum communities with essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills through innovative technology solutions. 

Here's how our solution works

1. Laptop Donation Campaigns: We launch campaigns to individuals and corporate organizations, urging them to donate laptops to support our cause. These donated laptops serve as vital tools for learning, providing children in slum communities with access to digital educational resources.
2. Partnership with NYSC: We have established a partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oyo State to train corps members with STEM backgrounds as facilitators for our program. These corps members are already deployed to slum communities for their one year national youth service program, where they serve as mentors and instructors for the children. This partnership not only benefits the children but also upskills the corps members, better preparing them for future job opportunities after their NYSC program.
3. Solar-Powered Tech Deployment: To ensure uninterrupted access to our tech resources, including laptops and network infrastructure, we utilize a simple mobile solar system. This system allows us to power our equipment during training sessions in slum communities, overcoming challenges related to unreliable electricity supply.
4. Digital Curriculum Development: Our STEM training program is being developed into a digital curriculum, featuring multimedia and gamified content designed to make learning fun and exciting for children. This digital curriculum also makes it easier to train facilitators and mentors of the program, providing them with the resources and tools they need to effectively engage with and support the children. Additionally, this curriculum will be powered by a Learning Management System (LMS) that tracks the progress of every learner and facilitator. This LMS provides valuable data and insights that enable us to continually improve the initiative and tailor the learning experience to the needs of the children and facilitators.
5. Community Impact Projects: As part of our program, children who have undergone our STEM training are given projects aimed at addressing challenges within their communities. These projects not only reinforce their learning but also empower them to apply their newfound skills to real-world problems, fostering a sense of ownership and agency within their communities.

Through these initiatives, the SmartSlums STEM Initiative addresses the educational challenges faced by children in slum communities, providing them with access to quality STEM education and opportunities for socio-economic empowerment. By leveraging technology, partnerships, and community engagement, we are breaking down barriers to learning and equipping children with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the digital age.

Select the key characteristics of your target population. Select all that apply.

• Women & Girls
• Primary school children (ages 5-12)
• Rural
• Poor
• Low-Income
• Minorities & Previously Excluded Populations

Upload your solution's Theory of Change or Logic Model.

Where would you place your solution on Nesta's Standards of Evidence?

To date, what research/studies has your organization conducted or commissioned that have helped demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution? [300-500 words recommended]

Formative research is integral to the development of the SmartSlum STEM Initiative, ensuring its effectiveness in addressing the learning challenges faced by children in slum communities. Mindcraft Coaching Foundation undertook comprehensive formative research to assess the potential impact of the initiative, including usability studies, feasibility assessments, and user interviews tailored to the context of slum communities in Ibadan, Nigeria.

To gauge the effectiveness of the SmartSlum STEM Initiative, pre and post-intervention studies were conducted with a sample of children from slum communities. The pre-test measured the baseline level of engagement, interest, and understanding of STEM subjects among the children, while the post-test assessed any changes after participation in the initiative. Results indicated a significant improvement in students' attitudes towards STEM subjects, increased interest in learning, and enhanced confidence in their abilities.

In addition to quantitative assessments, qualitative user interviews were conducted with teachers, parents, and community leaders directly involved in the initiative. These interviews provided valuable insights into the usability, relevance, and potential impact of the program within the local context. Feedback gathered from stakeholders guided iterative improvements to the curriculum, training methods, and community engagement strategies, ensuring alignment with the needs and preferences of slum communities.

The formative research conducted by Mindcraft Coaching Foundation played a crucial role in shaping the SmartSlum STEM Initiative, demonstrating its potential to bridge educational disparities and empower children in underserved communities. The findings highlighted the effectiveness of the initiative in fostering holistic development, enhancing digital literacy, and nurturing a passion for learning among marginalized youth. Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, the initiative continues to refine its approach, maximizing its impact and scalability across diverse slum communities.

What has the data collected from the research/studies revealed about your solution and how did it inform your work moving forward? [300-500 words recommended]

Through our research and studies conducted on the SmartSlum STEM Initiative, we have gained valuable insights into its effectiveness in addressing the unique learning challenges faced by children in slum communities. These findings have informed our work moving forward, guiding iterative improvements to the initiative and ensuring its relevance and impact within the targeted communities.

One significant revelation from our research is the initiative's ability to combat educational disparities and foster a positive attitude towards STEM subjects among children in slum communities. Our studies indicated a notable increase in students' engagement, interest, and confidence in STEM learning after participating in the initiative. This insight has reinforced our commitment to prioritizing STEM education as a means to empower marginalized youth and expand their opportunities for academic and professional advancement.

Furthermore, our research highlighted the importance of community engagement and local context in the success of the initiative. We found that close collaboration with community leaders, educators, and parents is essential for fostering trust, participation, and sustained impact. Insights gathered from stakeholders' feedback have influenced our approach to program delivery, curriculum design, and outreach strategies, ensuring alignment with the specific needs and preferences of slum communities in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Additionally, our studies have underscored the significance of digital technology in enhancing learning outcomes and accessibility for underserved populations. The integration of multimedia, gamified content, and a learning management system (LMS) into the initiative's digital curriculum has proven effective in engaging children and facilitating interactive learning experiences. This insight has guided our efforts to leverage technology as a tool for bridging educational gaps and empowering youth in resource-constrained settings.

Describe your organization's need to strengthen the evidence base of your solution. [300-500 words recommended]

At Mindcraft Coaching Foundation, we recognize the critical importance of strengthening the evidence base of our SmartSlum STEM Initiative to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability in addressing the learning challenges faced by children in slum communities. While our initiative has already demonstrated promising outcomes through pilot implementations and formative research, there remains a need to deepen our understanding of its impact and refine our approach for broader scalability and long-term success.

Engaging in a LEAP Project with Solve presents an invaluable opportunity for us to enhance the evidence base of our solution through rigorous research, expert guidance, and strategic partnerships. Now is the right time to embark on this journey for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, as we continue to expand the reach of our SmartSlum STEM Initiative, it is imperative that we have robust evidence to substantiate its effectiveness and value proposition. By conducting rigorous research studies in collaboration with LEAP researchers and social entrepreneur Fellows, we can generate empirical data that quantifies the initiative's impact on learning outcomes, engagement levels, and community empowerment. This evidence will not only validate the efficacy of our solution but also strengthen our credibility with stakeholders, including donors, policymakers, and community leaders.

Secondly, the current landscape of education in slum communities is evolving rapidly, with emerging trends in digital learning, community engagement, and inclusive pedagogy. By participating in a LEAP Project, we can stay at the forefront of these developments and leverage cutting-edge research methodologies and technologies to inform the continuous improvement of our initiative. Through collaborative brainstorming sessions, workshops, and knowledge sharing with LEAP Fellows and experts, we can gain fresh insights, innovative strategies, and best practices that will enhance our program design, delivery, and impact measurement.

Moreover, the timing aligns with our organizational goals and strategic priorities. As we seek to scale our SmartSlum STEM Initiative to reach more communities and serve a greater number of children, it is imperative that we strengthen the evidence base to attract sustainable funding, forge strategic partnerships, and drive policy advocacy efforts. By investing in evidence-based research and evaluation, we can position ourselves as a leader in the field of STEM education for underserved populations and drive systemic change within the education sector.

What are 2-3 research questions that you would like your LEAP Project to help you answer? [100 words recommended]

1. How does participation in the SmartSlum STEM Initiative impact the academic performance and learning outcomes of children in slum communities, particularly in STEM subjects?

1. What are the key factors influencing the effectiveness and scalability of the SmartSlum STEM Initiative in addressing educational inequalities and promoting community empowerment?
2. How can the digital curriculum and gamified learning approach of the SmartSlum STEM Initiative be optimized to enhance student engagement, retention, and long-term skill development?

What type of research methods do you think will help answer your stated questions? Select all that apply.

• Formative research (e.g. usability studies; feasibility studies; case studies; user interviews; implementation studies; process evaluations; pre-post or multi-measure research; correlational studies)
• Summative research (e.g. impact evaluations; correlational studies; quasi-experimental studies; randomized control studies)

Please elaborate on your selection above by describing your desired outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint. [300 - 500 words recommended]

For the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, we aim to achieve several outputs that will significantly contribute to strengthening the evidence base of our SmartSlum STEM Initiative. These outputs will be collaboratively produced by the LEAP Fellows and our team, focusing on research recommendations, study designs, strategies, frameworks, and monitoring and evaluation tools.

1. Research Recommendations: Our first desired output is a set of research recommendations tailored to our specific context and goals. We envision the LEAP Fellows conducting in-depth reviews of existing literature, particularly focusing on effective STEM education interventions in similar settings. These recommendations will outline potential research methodologies, data collection techniques, and analysis approaches suited to our initiative's needs.

1. Study Designs: Building upon the research recommendations, we anticipate the development of detailed study designs for evaluating the impact and effectiveness of our STEM training program. These designs will include clear objectives, hypotheses, sampling methodologies, data collection instruments, and analysis plans. We aim to explore both formative and summative research designs to assess both the implementation process and the program outcomes.
2. Strategies for Data Collection and Analysis: The LEAP Project will also produce strategies for data collection and analysis aligned with our research questions and study designs. This may involve identifying appropriate data sources, such as pre-and post-program assessments, interviews, observations, and surveys. Additionally, we anticipate the development of data analysis frameworks, including statistical techniques and qualitative coding methods.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Tools: To facilitate ongoing monitoring and evaluation of our initiative, we seek the creation of practical tools and instruments. These tools may include participant tracking systems, surveys for assessing program fidelity and participant satisfaction, and rubrics for evaluating student outcomes. The LEAP Fellows will work closely with our team to ensure that these tools are user-friendly, culturally sensitive, and aligned with best practices in educational assessment.
4. Capacity Building: We aim for capacity building within our organization to sustain evidence-based practices beyond the LEAP Project. This involves training our team members on research methodologies, data collection techniques, and analysis approaches. By empowering our team with these skills, we can continue to refine our initiative and contribute to the broader field of STEM education in slum communities.

How will your organization put these outputs into action? [300-500 words recommended]

The outputs generated from the LEAP Project sprint will be instrumental in informing the next steps for our SmartSlum STEM Initiative. Here's how we plan to put these outputs into action

1. Implementation of Research Recommendations

• We will carefully review the research recommendations provided by the LEAP Fellows and select those that align most closely with our organizational goals and objectives.
• Based on the recommendations, we will develop a comprehensive plan for implementing changes or improvements to our STEM training program. This may include refining our curriculum, adjusting our teaching methodologies, or enhancing our monitoring and evaluation processes.
• We will prioritize recommendations that address the specific research questions identified earlier, ensuring that our efforts are focused on addressing key areas of concern.

• We will integrate the new strategies and frameworks proposed by the LEAP Fellows into our existing program structure. This may involve revising our training materials, incorporating new technology tools, or adopting innovative teaching approaches.
• We will work closely with our team members, including the NYSC corp members and other facilitators, to ensure they are trained and equipped to implement these changes effectively.
• By integrating these new strategies and frameworks, we aim to enhance the overall quality and impact of our STEM training program, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes for the children in the slum communities.

• We will establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the implementation of the research recommendations and assess their impact over time.
• This may involve collecting data on various performance metrics such as student engagement, academic achievement, and retention rates.
• We will use this data to measure the effectiveness of the changes implemented as a result of the LEAP Project sprint and to identify areas for further improvement.
• By continuously monitoring and evaluating our program, we can ensure that we are making data-driven decisions and continuously improving the quality of our services.

• We will share the findings and best practices resulting from the LEAP Project sprint with other stakeholders in the education sector, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.
• This may involve organizing workshops, conferences, or webinars to disseminate the information to a wider audience and facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• By sharing our findings and best practices, we hope to contribute to the broader conversation on effective STEM education initiatives in slum communities and inspire others to adopt similar approaches.

Describe your desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for both your organization and solution. [300-500 words recommended]

The desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for both our organization and the SmartSlum STEM Initiative are multifaceted and geared towards achieving sustainable impact in the slum communities we serve.

For our organization—Mindcraft Coaching Foundation

1. Enhanced Program Effectiveness

• One of the primary outcomes we aim to achieve is the enhancement of our program's effectiveness in delivering STEM education to children in slum communities. By implementing the research recommendations provided by the LEAP Fellows, we expect to see improvements in various aspects of our program, including curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and monitoring and evaluation processes. These enhancements will ultimately contribute to better learning outcomes for the children we serve.

• Through the LEAP Project sprint, we anticipate strengthening our organizational capacity in several key areas, including research and evaluation, program management, and strategic planning. By working closely with the LEAP Fellows and leveraging their expertise, we aim to build internal capabilities that will enable us to better assess, adapt, and scale our initiatives in the future.

• Engaging with the LEAP Project will provide us with valuable opportunities to expand our network and forge strategic partnerships with other stakeholders in the education sector. By collaborating with researchers, social entrepreneurs, and other organizations, we aim to leverage collective expertise and resources to amplify the impact of our initiatives and drive systemic change in slum communities.

For our solution—SmartSlum STEM Initiative

1. Improved Learning Outcomes

• The ultimate goal of the LEAP Project sprint is to improve learning outcomes for children in slum communities by strengthening the evidence base of our STEM education program. Through the implementation of research recommendations and the integration of new strategies and frameworks, we expect to see measurable improvements in academic achievement, student engagement, and overall educational attainment.

• By enhancing the effectiveness and scalability of our STEM education program, we aim to achieve sustainable program growth over the long term. This includes expanding our reach to serve more children in slum communities, establishing partnerships with schools, community centers, and local governments, and securing additional funding and resources to support our initiatives.

• Through our continued engagement with community members, including teachers, parents, and local leaders, we aim to empower them as change agents in their own right. By providing training, resources, and support, we hope to build local capacity and leadership within the communities we serve, enabling them to take ownership of their children's education and drive positive social change from within.