Revolutionizing Primary STEM Education in Benin, Cameroon, and the DRC with GPE-KIX

Challenge

In Benin, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ministries of Education faced an urgent need to improve foundational STEM education in primary schools. Existing curricula were outdated or misaligned with national goals, and teacher professional development lacked the structure and resources necessary to scale quality instruction. Rural and under-resourced areas were particularly affected by the lack of accessible, relevant, and engaging STEM materials. These gaps were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted systemic inequities and interrupted learning for millions of children.

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Solution

With support from the Global Partnership for Education’s Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE-KIX), NGU Solutions launched the STEM Teacher/Student Education for Primary Schools (STEPS) initiative. Over an 18-month period, the team co-developed and delivered a comprehensive, multilingual STEM curriculum aligned with each country’s national syllabus. The STEPS program produced 52 textbooks, workbooks, and teacher guides in English and French, tailored for grades 1 to 5. Through a “train-the-trainers” model, STEPS empowered local educators to cascade knowledge and build capacity within their own systems. The program integrated constructivist learning theory, culturally responsive pedagogy, and low-tech delivery solutions to ensure equitable access.

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Impact

Despite the conclusion of formal funding in 2023, implementation continues to expand organically, a testament to the sustainability and relevance of the STEPS model. Ministries and local education authorities are actively using STEPS resources, with adoption spreading across all three countries. The initiative catalyzed a shift toward context-specific, participatory teacher professional development, as noted in the 2025 KIX TPD Synthesis Report. STEPS improved classroom engagement, strengthened teacher confidence, and supported the development of long-term policy frameworks. Moreover, by embedding equity, technology, and local leadership into its core, STEPS laid the groundwork for systemic reform and helped position these countries as leaders in scalable, inclusive STEM education.