Launch of New Education Initiative for Out-of-School Children

The 1808 Foundation is proud to announce the launch of "Pathways to Learning," a comprehensive new initiative designed to address the global crisis of out-of-school children.

With an estimated 258 million children and youth not attending school worldwide, this initiative represents a significant commitment to creating flexible, accessible educational opportunities for those most at risk of being left behind.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

The Pathways to Learning initiative takes a holistic approach to the complex challenge of educational access. The program has three core components:

• Community Learning Hubs: Establishing safe, well-equipped spaces within communities where children can access quality educational resources and support
• Digital Learning Access: Providing technology tools and internet connectivity to enable distance learning in remote areas
• Teacher Training: Equipping local educators with the skills to support children with diverse learning needs and backgrounds

"We recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to educational exclusion," explains Dr. Maya Patel, the initiative's lead developer. "Children are out of school for many reasons—poverty, conflict, discrimination, disability—and our approach needs to be as diverse as the challenges they face."

Pilot Program Launch

The initiative will begin with pilot programs in three regions selected for their diverse contexts and challenges:

• A rural community in East Africa where distance to schools is a primary barrier
• An urban neighborhood in Southeast Asia where economic pressures force children into work instead of school
• A community affected by conflict in the Middle East, where educational infrastructure has been damaged

Each pilot site will be developed in close partnership with local community leaders, educators, and families to ensure that solutions are culturally appropriate and sustainable.

"Education is not just a human right—it's the key that unlocks a child's potential and a community's future. Our goal is to ensure that no child is denied that key simply because of where they were born or the circumstances they face." — James Wilson, 1808 Foundation CEO

Measuring Success

The initiative includes robust monitoring and evaluation components to track not just enrollment numbers, but meaningful educational outcomes including:

• Academic progress in core subjects
• Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Student and family satisfaction with the program
• Long-term educational persistence and completion

Partnerships for Impact

The Pathways to Learning initiative is being launched in collaboration with several key partners, including UNESCO, the Global Partnership for Education, and technology provider EduTech Solutions, which is donating equipment and technical expertise.

The initial phase is funded through a $5 million commitment from the 1808 Foundation, with additional support from corporate and individual donors.

To learn more about the Pathways to Learning initiative or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact our education team.