Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) is at the heart of implementing the proposed Uwezo Uganda strategy. MEL distinguishes between reporting for internal purposes – which is coordinated by the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officers – and reporting that is part of the core activities and seeks to influence a range of stakeholders. A number of different processes and methods (qualitative and quantitative) and a variety of tools are put in place to facilitate effective MEL for organisational learning and measurement. Specific indicators are identified early at the planning stage and used during implementation to monitor progress in achieving the set goals and evaluate achievement of the expected outcomes and impact.
Monitoring is concerned mainly with the baseline (the initial situation), with the inputs and processes of the various activities (such as staff, volunteers, software, time spent and costs) and with the immediate outputs and feedback (such as data obtained, findings reported and interactions with stakeholders). The monitoring focuses on coverage, reach, quality of the product, users’ feedback, emerging effects, stories of change from the field as well as challenges. The monitoring records enable issues of cost-effectiveness to be considered. Since we shall be working with a large number of volunteers and partners who are entrusted with additional responsibilities, a rigorous process of follow up, performance assessment, recording pro-gress, changes and lessons is put in place to manage their quality and results. We leverage technology to improve the quality of monitoring data collected and the turnaround time, as well as controlling the cost of the entire process.
Evaluation exercises focus on immediate and longer-term outcomes and also focus on whole areas of activity (e.g. the national assessments of learning). Such exercises are carried out mainly in the third and fourth years of the strategy period (2022-3). However, evaluators are well briefed on the baseline, inputs, processes and outputs in order to reach valid conclusions.In relation to evaluating the policy impact of Uwezo’s work, great caution is taken. In many situations the influence of educational research on national policy is neither direct nor immediately visible (Urwick 2013). In some cases, it may influence global understanding sooner than it influences policy. As in the past, Uwezo seeks to involve external researchers or consultants in evaluation exercises.There are two main evaluation exercises: a) Midterm review: This takes place after two years of implementation. The evaluation report is for internal use and is shared with the board and funders to understand and further support the progress towards achieving the strategy goals and outcomes; and b) Final/ end line evaluation to be conducted in the final quarter of the fourth year of the strategy. Evaluators are provided with necessary information, documents and baseline reports for reference and other related support. The evaluation tracks outcomes and impact at the national, sub-national and global level. This evaluation report is shared with the board, funders, partners, and the wider public by posting on our website.
