Photo: Josué Tchokponhoué
Enhancing Social Accountability in Education: Reflections from Benin
In February 2025, nine organisations from Madagascar and Benin came together to discuss ways of transforming education systems through social accountability. For many of those present, it was the first in-person exchange since their Education Out Loud project began in 2022, offering a vital opportunity to connect, reflect and learn.
Representing Madagascar were members of a consortium including MSIS TATAO, MoNEPT, ONG Ravintsara, and DRV. From Benin, the workshop brought together DEDRAS, Social Watch, APPRETECTRA, MRJC, and the national education coalition CBO-EPT. This interactive workshop—part of the Education Out Loud (EOL) initiative under Operational Component 2 (OC2)—focused on strengthening shared purpose, values, and adaptive practices among grantee organisations working toward equitable and inclusive public education systems.
The workshop was a revelation. It gave us the opportunity to share and learn from others, as well as rethink our approaches to have a greater impact and involve communities more in strengthening our joint advocacy. Together for sustainable results!
Reine Bossa APPRETECTRA Benin
Adaptive Management is a necessity. It must be embedded in activities, and strategies must be reviewed depending on the situation. We realise how important it is to revise our approach, not cling to a single way of thinking.
Niaina Harijaona national coordinator for MSIS TATAO
Participants shared practical tools and community-driven strategies for monitoring public service delivery and transforming local data into policy influence. Sessions on adaptive management, action learning and collaborative learning helped organisations to reassess how they can remain responsive to change, particularly in politically unstable or shifting contexts. While accountability mechanisms differed by context, there was a shared takeaway: no single approach fits all. Greater impact comes when civil society joins forces, shares learning, and adapts collectively.
Looking Ahead
The workshop strengthened the groundwork for ongoing collaboration, particularly among Benin-based organisations. Participants expressed strong interest in further exchange with other OC2 grantees across regions to continue refining strategies and scaling impact. Education Out Loud not only supports civil society engagement, mutual accountability, and inclusive monitoring and influencing of education policies, but also strives for civil society autonomy and citizen-led actions towards transformative education systems. The aim is that, as these initiatives evolve, so should communities’ capacity to influence policies that ultimately impact their livelihoods.
Photo: Josué Tchokponhoué
About Operational Component 2 (OC2)
- OC2 strengthens civil society’s role in promoting transparency and accountability in national education policy and implementation. It focuses on enabling the participation of marginalised groups at the local level—linking grassroots monitoring to policy dialogue.
- Currently, 14 civil society organisations or alliances are supported under OC2 in 13 countries. Some began their projects in 2021/2022, while others launched in 2024.
- In 2024–2025, four regional workshops were held to promote learning and experience exchange among OC2 grantees. This process has produced key learning products, including models of social accountability in education and generic pathways for action—soon to be published.
- Read more: www.educationoutloud.com/grants