1. By Alex Twinomugisha 2008

2. Overview GeSCI engages with countries for a long time through the regional programs with some countries occasionally “ascending” to in- depth system-wide engagement for a period of 3-5 years and then transitioning back to regional engagement Country and Regional Programs are major activities in new strategic plan For country programs focus on: Transition existing countries sustainably Select and Engage new countries For Regional Programs, focus on Strengthening and expanding the Africa regional programs Build, operate and manage Asia and LAC regional programs

3. Country programs Work with few countries (4-6 countries at any one time)for longer periods (3-5 years) and more in-depth Every country is different and specific approaches will vary according to local context and conditions. Comprehensive system-wide and multi- stakeholder approach Direct advisory engagement with MoEs Providing more strategic advice rather than purely technical advice Focus on capacity building rather than implementation– building capacity for implementation Focus on institutionalizing ICT4E in SWAps, ESPs, Budgets for sustainability Provide dedicated experts and advisors to the MoE

4. Country Program Life Cycle Selection (3-6 months) Short-List Situation Analysis Evaluation and Ranking by desirable criteria CEO approves country selection Preparation (3-6 months) Prepare Country Engagement Strategy (CES) Submit CES to Board of Directors Board approval Engagement (2-4 years) Sign MoU (with action plan developed under CES) Mobilize resources (financial and human) Regular progress reviews Transition and Evaluation (3-6 months) Internal evaluation External independent evaluation Finalization of any outstanding activities Post- Engagement (continuous) Support provided under AKE

5. Country Selection Based on mandatory and desirable criteria. Comprehensive Situational Analysis 1. Mandatory Criteria- short-listing ICTs are a priority Clear country demand and political commitment GeSCI Donor priority country 2. Desirable criteria- final selection Country understands potential for ICT Education reform underway Existing or planned ICT interventions

6. Preliminary Short- list Focus on SSA but NOT exclusive Other countries where strong case can be made 1. Ethiopia 2. Mozambique 3. Tanzania 4. Zambia 5. Kenya 6. Uganda

7. Planned Growth Year2008200920102011 Countries under full- direct engagement Bolivia Ghana India Rwanda Ghana Rwanda New Country 1 (Ethiopia) New Country 2 Rwanda Country 1 (Ethiopia) New Country 2 New Country 3 New Country 1 (Ethiopia) New Country 2 New Country 3 New Country 4 Total no of countries under full- direct engagement 4444 The target is to work with a total of 4-6 countries every year with 1-2 of these countries coming on board every year.

8. Transition and Sustainability GeSCI does not stay engaged full-time in any country indefinitely but at the same time GeSCI does not exit a country entirely After 3-5 years, GeSCI will transition its full-time support to another mode often offering support from its specialists at a distance and through the regional knowledge programs GeSCI makes it clear prior to engagement that support will be time-bound MoUs with countries spell out roles, responsibilities and deliverables Periodic reviews of MoU Focus on sustainable interventions (capacity building) and institutionalization of ICT4E Continued support after transition to ensure sustainability of programs

9. Regional Programs

10. AKE A strategic knowledge sharing forum Knowledge sharing Multi-country and multi- stakeholder responses to common ICT4E challenges Wider reach for GeSCI products and services A platform for experimentation and innovation Home-grown solutions

11. AKE- major activities Further develop as a full program linked to other programs Facilitate the establishment of an Africa-wide Working Group on ICT4E in Forge global and regional partnerships and networks Reach and impact more SSA countries

12. Asia and LAC India and Bolivia programs to transition to regional programs at end 2008 Focus on strategic capacity building, knowledge creation and sharing at the regional rather than country level. Regional programs in Asia and LAC undertaken with a strategic partner instead of GeSCI having own staff and offices