World Development Education Projects Supported
Chancen International is a student financing organisation working in several countries in Africa. Their mid-term goal is to sustainably finance and support 25,000 low-income students across multiple African countries to attend tertiary education institutions in Africa, and for the students to successfully transition to highly-paid, professional work.
To support the improvement of graduates’ repayment rate and their success in finding professional work, The Waterloo Foundation supported Chancen International to develop a student community model. This community model enables peer relationship building, significant collaboration and interaction between students and Chancen International, job access support and networking, and a platform for student and Chancen International-led innovation.
This community model has since been key in enabling the organisation to finance 6,000 low-income students and be 31% above their expected repayment rates. This has also supported Chancen International to develop two further income streams housed in the community. This creative approach to philanthropy has made it more likely that this sustainable, education outcomes-driven model will be successful indefinitely.
TeachUNITED has developed a proven teacher training model that boosts student performance in literacy and math across multiple African countries. Traditionally funded by grants and donations, TeachUNITED has now partnered with The Waterloo Foundation to build a more sustainable future for its impact.
Together, we’ve launched an alumni support model that provides ongoing coaching and resources to teachers, even years after their initial training.
Results from the pilot:
- Students taught by alumni teachers showed a 12% higher exam pass rate compared to control groups
- Continuous support helps maintain and grow the learning gains over time
To fund this alumni programme sustainably, The Waterloo Foundation is also supporting TeachUNITED to develop a commercially driven model, ensuring long-term impact without relying solely on donations.
This initiative is helping secure lasting educational outcomes for thousands of students, while building a resilient system that empowers teachers for years to come.
