Community Partnership in Education

I asked a nonprofit CEO one question that made her go completely silent. Her organization: $12M budget. Award-winning programs. Thousands of families served over 20 years. The question: "Show me one family you've moved from needing your services to not needing them." She stared at me for 30 seconds. Then said the words that broke my heart: "Well... that's not really how we measure success." That's when I realized the uncomfortable truth about our entire sector: We're accidentally addicted to people staying broken. Think about it: → Success = more families in our programs → Growth = bigger budgets to serve more people → Impact = higher numbers on our annual reports But here's what we don't track: How many people graduated OUT of needing us? I watched this CEO's face change as it hit her. "So you're saying we should measure how many clients we lose?" Exactly. Here's the test that will make you uncomfortable: If your organization executed every program perfectly for 10 years, would the problem you're solving get smaller or bigger? If the answer is "bigger" - you might be treating symptoms while the disease spreads. The nonprofits creating real change? They're designing themselves out of business. → They measure food security achieved, not just meals served → They track permanent housing, not just shelter nights → They count families who no longer need services, not just families served I've seen organizations like Cradle Cincinnati reduce Black infant mortality by 34%. Like the Robinhood Foundation which increased graduation rates in low-income communities in NYC by 40%. And many more who’ve moved needle significantly towards their work not being necessary at all. They all asked the same question: "How do we make sure people don't need us anymore?" The uncomfortable truth? Community improvement without community ownership = Community removal with better PR. Program expansion without client graduation = Professional poverty management. I get it - people need help today. That work is essential and sacred. But if we're not measuring how many people move from dependence to independence, we might be part of the problem we're trying to solve. What would happen if your organization measured success by how many clients you "lost" to self-sufficiency this year?

A town in NW England has cut child mental health referrals by 50% in the space of a year. How Fleetwood did this, at a time of soaring CAMHS waiting lists, appears quite simple on the face of it. Instead of referring children with poor mental health to GPs as is usual elsewhere, schools and families in Fleetwood are just as likely to contact the mental health lead for the town - Elizabeth Loftus. Liz then takes her time to get to know the human in front of her - treating them not as a medical case but as a whole person with a complex life, multiple strengths and possibly multiple challenges well beyond the bounds of their ‘condition’. Based on that knowledge, Liz works with the child and their family to identify how best to address their needs. And the solution very commonly involves alternatives to medical treatment: enabling physical or other activity outside the home, finding a place to develop human connection and access peer support, adapting the school environment, offering support to change diet and lifestyle - the options are varied, plural and always bespoke. But one thing is very clear: many of the children who are automatically referred by a GP to the local CAMHS team simply do not require clinical help. The results have been stunning. Not only are children getting much speedier, local support (the nearest CAMHS team is in Blackpool and the waiting time for an initial consultation is seventy weeks), they are getting more personalised care. And most strikingly, referrals to CAMHS from Fleetwood were cut by half between January 2023 and January 2024. But don’t be fooled. What seems like a simple process is the product of much careful and hard work. - Many months of place-based leadership by Liz and others with a focus as much on making their town a great place for children’s well-being as it is dealing with a series of individuals needing help. - Huge effort to create genuine collaboration between public sector bodies; and between the public sector, the voluntary sector and the people of Fleetwood. - Constant interaction and collaboration with the community by putting Fleetwood’s citizens in the driving seat of the programme and working with them to create the groups, activities and ‘buzz’ that can help children live happier lives. - Rigorous application of three principles that I would argue underpin all the impactful frontline innovations I have comes across: forming a deep understanding of the people you are working with; creating genuinely bespoke responses based on that understanding; designing those responses around real collaboration between the public sector institution and those outside of it. In essence, 'doing with' people outside the public sector institution rather than 'doing to'. There’s lots more in the article below about how Fleetwood is reinventing children’s mental health care and what the public sector can learn from the town. #NHS #mentalhealth #children #localgov #publicservices Mark Spencer

One of the litmus-tests to qualify to become a "developed" country is when parents' first choice for schooling for their kids, is the neighborhood municipal school. i.e. a government school. we need to achieve this goal for India, with a "project tiger" zeal, one municipal school at a time. (of the 250m school students in India, nearly 60% attend government schools, much more in rural areas). making municipal schools as first choice of parents will need a lot of work and reforms. it will need public private partnership, governance reform, teacher training, parents' involvement in running the school, relieving the teachers of non-teaching duties, curricular reform etc. one shining success story is that of Government Vocational Higher Secondary School (VHSS) Nadakkavu, in the heart of Kozhikode city in Kerala. Most of the students are from working class families. With some donor support, creative imagination, and some MLA funding support, it is now a world class school (a government school, mind you) and has inspired the "Nadakkavu Model". It has also become a global case study. It is ranked as the second best school in India in the Education World India School Ranking 2025. Nearly two thousand students study here, some traveling from as far as 16km away, and 80 percent from poor or working class families. all 2000 students get meals, have 3 basketball, 2 badminton courts, 25k books in the library. AstroTurf on hockey and football fields. all free. It inspired the Girls Higher Secondary School (GHSS) in Kothibagh, Srinagar in Kashmir. Kashmiri students have had an immersion trip to Nadakkavu. The private foundation supporting VHSS is taking their funding outside Kerala. Nadakkavu success is being transplanted in Kashmir. More such schools expected to bloom. Meanwhile Kerala's school transformation project aiming to make regional schools to world class standards, is being extended to other institutions with budgeted outlay of 1000 crore from the state government. Do read this inspiring story from The Economic Times by Nidheesh MK and Hakeem Irfan Rashid.

It is deeply worrying to see the growing number of student applications being rejected each year, not because candidates lack merit, but because our universities simply do not have the physical space to accommodate them. South Africa can no longer afford to treat this as a capacity problem alone. It is a systems and innovation challenge. The time has come for a true Triple Helix partnership between government, the private sector, and academia. We must leverage the existing IT and telecommunications infrastructure already deployed across the country to scale quality online and hybrid education, rather than remaining overly dependent on traditional, campus-bound attendance models. If we are serious about closing the digital divide, improving digital literacy, and building a public sector that is digitally confident, resilient, and responsive, then this conversation cannot remain theoretical. The Public ICT Forum should elevate this issue as a key agenda item for 2026, not only as an education imperative, but as a national development priority that speaks directly to the future of our students and citizens. Access to education should never be constrained by walls when technology has already removed them. #DigitalTransformation #EducationReform #TripleHelix #DigitalInclusion #FutureOfEducation #PublicSectorInnovation #SouthAfrica

Yesterday the Head of Partnerships at a $200M health-tech company asked me how to take their partner program from being a C-suite afterthought to a mission-critical GTM strategy. My answer was simple... Data. Let me explain. Partnerships are fluffy. At least that’s what most Boards, C-suites, and Executives think. Why? Because most partner teams struggle with data. Due to unrealistic revenue targets, timelines and limited resources, partnership leaders are often scrambling from day 1. To catch up, they often skip the most important step: Setting up solid processes, KPIs and the mechanisms to track them. So when an important stakeholder asks them for a QUANTITATIVE justification for their activities they either stare back blankly or slap together some unconvincing back-of-the-napkin math. And forget about realistically forecasting more than a quarter out. This is virtually impossible for most partner teams. How can you become a mission-critical GTM strategy if your leadership can’t clearly understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what value it’s going to drive for the business. This is not the way. Partnership leaders need to start being meticulous about data. We need to take the time to set up good processes and tracking mechanisms. You must measure and track everything! - Partner lifecycle - Sourced deal funnels - Influenced deal funnels - Partner marketing outcomes - Integration adoption - Partner ROI - Revenue by partner - Revenue by partner manager - And a dozen other things The value of this should not be underestimated. Only by measuring and tracking will you be able to understand what’s working and what’s not. When you take the time to do this right, you’ll be able to prove to your C-suite the impact your partnerships strategy has driven for the business and what impact it *will* drive looking forward. You’ll be able to show the leaders of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success how you’ve made them and their teams more successful. You’ll be able to forecast, budget, and scale a predictable partner program. As partnerships leaders we understand the value of partnerships in our blood. But up until now, we’ve lacked the operational rigor to prove it out. Let’s become data-driven operators and make partnerships an undeniable, mission-critical GTM strategy. Not just an afterthought.

Digital empowerment goes beyond just access to technology. It’s about creating equity in critical sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and employment, especially for marginalized communities, rural populations, and persons with disabilities (PwDs). To address these needs, tailored digital solutions are crucial, and public-private partnerships (PPP) will play a key role in shaping this transformation. 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 Programs focused on digital literacy are the bedrock of empowering rural populations. The PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), initiated by the Indian government, aims to enhance digital literacy in rural areas. As of 2024, over 5 crore people have been trained, highlighting the immense demand for digital literacy and skilling. Similiary, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) has been at the forefront, with initiatives like eMitra centers in Rajasthan, where digitizing government services has not only simplified access but also saved community members time and travel costs. In Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, DEF’s program to train rural women in e-commerce skills has increased financial independence and profitability, enabling them to access broader markets. 2️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 A critical component of digital empowerment is ensuring that technology serves local needs and is not merely consumer-driven. India’s vast rural terrain demands tailored solutions. Low-bandwidth apps and voice-enabled technology are making access to services more inclusive, especially in remote areas. Private companies like Jio have partnered with the government to extend internet connectivity, but more work is needed to bridge this connectivity gap. 3️⃣ 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Digital empowerment is also about giving marginalized communities the autonomy to make informed decisions. Persons with disabilities (PwDs) in cities like Jaipur are using voice-enabled apps to access telehealth services and government welfare schemes, thereby gaining greater control over their healthcare and livelihood. Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility initiative has also been instrumental in creating digital tools that cater to PwDs, enabling them to interact more seamlessly with technology. Empowering these communities to have decision-making rights and consent in digital platforms ensures that technology is not just an instrument of access but also an enabler of autonomy and inclusion. 4️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 & 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬 Despite the progress, there are significant challenges such as lack of Modern infrastructure, affordable devices, and quality internet access in rural areas persist. The Indian government’s Digital India initiative aims to address these gaps by establishing more research labs and digital villages.

Rethinking Access: What Japan’s Mobile Study Buses Teach Us about Education in India In Japan, there is a grassroots innovation: mobile study buses that traverse neighbourhoods lacking libraries or dedicated study spaces for teens. Equipped with WiFi, books/tables/seating, and staffed by volunteer tutors, these buses offer post-school support - especially for students whose home environment may not afford quiet study or who have working parents. Meanwhile, India’s data reveals a troubling trend: according to official figures, from 2014-15 to 2023-24, the number of government schools dropped by 89,441 (an 8 % decline) while private schools increased by ~42,944. Why this matters: Schools are not just classrooms-they are access points: for mentorship, peer learning, supportive infrastructure, safe environments. A reduction in public school infrastructure can translate into lost opportunity for millions - especially in underserved zones. Claims of being a “Vishwaguru” must be matched with inclusive access and innovative outreach. What we can learn from the mobile-bus model: Deploy mobile learning hubs in areas where built infrastructure is weak. Integrate tutoring, mentoring and peer-group study into community outreach rather than rely solely on brick-and-mortar. Provide quiet spaces, connectivity and resource access to students whose home setups may not allow for focused study. Prioritise equity of access, not just numbers of institutions. For leaders in education, policy & industry: It is time to ask: Are we ensuring our youth have the spaces and resources to learn effectively? How can organisations (public/private/civic) collaborate to bring learning-on-wheels or similar outreach to underserved zones? Can we shift our metrics from “number of schools” to “effective access to learning and mentorship”? I believe: the infrastructure we build today must include mobility, flexibility, and equity. Let’s model systems not just for those who already have access-but for those who don’t. #EducationReform #SkillDevelopment #Mobility #IndiaEducation #InnovationInLearning #Leadership

Collaborating on Credentials The future of the workforce and the future of education lie in collaborative models where industry and academia work together to create relevant, practical learning experiences. Whether through advisory boards, design challenges and projects, or comprehensive microcredential programs, these partnerships are reshaping how we prepare talent for tomorrow's workforce. On a recent podcast, sie.ag/443UxN, I connected with Michael J. Readey and Christy Bozic, PhD, PMP, CPEM to discuss the transformative power of industry-academia partnerships. Together, we have been collaborating on credentials and sustainability to improve the circular economy digital mindset. Here are some insights we discussed that every education and industry leader should consider: The Traditional Model is Evolving: The "degree-only" mindset is shifting as we recognize the growing importance of continuous, skills-based learning. With the majority of credential-seekers being full-time professionals, the demand for flexible, targeted upskilling is clear. Industry-Academia Partnerships Matter: We must continue to invest in partnerships that bridge the critical gap between classroom theory and rapidly changing workplace demands. Together, we can enable faster identification of emerging skill needs and create timely real-world learning opportunities through immersive experiences. This provides learners with early and direct industry exposure. The Rise of Microcredentials: We're seeing a trend of professionals who actively seek, learn, and collect badges and microcredentials for career progression. Agile learning formats offer just-in-time education and experience for quick adaptation to industry needs, and flexible learning paths can address immediate and targeted skill application. Learn more about what hiring managers look for, how to build industry-relevant learning pathways, and what the future holds for collaborative academic-industry relations. I remember when I started in this industry, the focus was on how we could break down the walls between CAD and CAM. There are still walls between academia and industry we must break down. The collaboration we experienced with Michael, Christy, and the University of Colorado Boulder gives me hope for a new path forward. Listen to the full episode and share your perspective below: sie.ag/443UxN.

This one needs serious collective thought and action! I asked 100+ industry leaders a simple question: “What do you really expect from #freshers and early #youngprofessionals?” The response? Clear. Honest. And deeply concerning!! "Most freshers are not job-ready; not completely employable." They struggle with #communication, #problemsolving, #accountability, and adapting to real work environments. Top priorities for employers? Not marks. Not certificates. But clarity, #confidence, #collaboration, and the ability to think on their feet. How long do freshers take to become productive? Most leaders said 6 to 12 months! That’s a big gap between joining and delivering value. Now here’s the disconnect: I work closely with students from colleges across India - especially small towns. And most of them have no idea this is what awaits them. They’re prepping for aptitude tests & campus interviews - while the real test is at the workplace. This is where the system is broken. We need to stop working in silos. What we need is a joint ecosystem: ✅ Industry that shares real expectations ✅ Institutes that prepare students beyond academics ✅ Mentors and coaches who bridge the last-mile gap If you’re a: 👉 Student: understand what really matters. 👉 Parent: guide your child beyond just degrees. 👉 Leader, educator, or professional: join the conversation, or contribute to the solution. I’m actively working on solutions to close this gap - grounded in real data, real conversations, and real student experiences. From structured #mentoring to industry-aligned training initiatives, I’m building models that bring together professionals, educators, and young talent. If you’re someone who wants to contribute - as a mentor, partner, institute, or simply someone who cares: let’s connect. Drop a DM or comment below. This change won’t happen alone. But it will, if we build it together. Let’s make our young talent truly ready - not just employed. #employability #corporatelifeskills #careercoaching #manavaani #manavspace

As the world evolves, our educational approach must also adapt, inspiring stewardship and understanding of global challenges. I’ve crafted curriculum outcomes that blend primary school subjects with real-world activities, fostering curiosity and a proactive mindset in young learners. 1. The study of rainforests - Let’s build a classroom mini-rainforest to explore biodiversity and promote ecosystem conservation. 2. The study of writing letters - Let’s impact future policies by writing persuasive letters to leaders about environmental or social issues. 3. The study of insects - Let’s create a habitat for beneficial insects to promote local biodiversity. 4. The study of history - What can we learn from historical events to improve community cohesion and peace? 5. The study of the food chain - Let’s adopt a local endangered species and start a campaign to protect it. 6. The study of maps - Let’s explore the impacts of climate change on different continents using interactive map projects. 7. The study of basic plants - Let’s cultivate a garden with plants from around the world, focusing on their roles in sustainable agriculture. 8. The study of local weather - Let’s build weather stations to understand climate patterns and their effects on our environment. 9. The study of simple machines - Let’s engineer solutions to improve water and energy efficiency in our community. 10. The study of counting and numbers - Let’s analyze data on recycling rates and set goals for waste reduction. 11. The study of community helpers - Let’s explore how people around the world help improve community well-being and resilience. 12. The study of basic materials - Let’s investigate how everyday materials can be recycled or reused creatively in art projects. 13. The study of stories and fables - Let’s share stories from various cultures that teach lessons about community and cooperation. 14. The study of water cycles - Let’s design experiments to clean water using natural filters, learning about sustainable living practices. 15. The study of world populations - Let’s look at population distribution and discuss how urban planning can address housing and sustainability challenges. 16. The study of ecosystems - Let’s restore a small section of a local park, linking it to the role ecosystems play in human well-being. 17. The study of cultural studies - Let’s hold a festival to celebrate global cultures and their approaches to sustainable living. 18. The study of physics - Let’s discover renewable energy sources through simple experiments. These projects encourage real-world application, teamwork, and problem-solving, emphasizing the role of education in shaping informed, proactive citizens ready to face global challenges. This approach makes learning relevant and essential for today’s interconnected world. Which one will you try? #education #school #teacher #teaching