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Showing posts from August, 2025

NARRATIVE ASSESSMENT: BRINGING ADVOCACY STORIES TO LIFE

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Th is  Narrative Assessment Manual, produced by Wageningen University & Research and Hivos in 2021, introduces a fresh way to measure and understand advocacy work by transforming real-life experiences into powerful stories.  Advocacy is not a straight line . It  is often a messy, long-term journey filled with challenges that standard reports  simply  cannot capture. Narrative Assessment helps organizations and donors see the real people behind the work, including the struggles, the victories, and the true meaning of every achievement. Remember that Narrative Assessment is a complement, but not a replacement. It is not  designed  to replace other tools like Most Significant Change  or  Outcome Harvesting. Instead, it adds depth,  shedding light  on the hidden dynamics and complex realities of advocacy work that often  go unspoken. So, what does Narrative Assessment look like, in brief? An advocate sits down with a skilled fa...

Choosing Appropriate Evaluation Methods: A Tool for Assessment & Selection

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The document "Choosing Appropriate Evaluation Methods: A Tool for Assessment & Selection" is a helpful resource for individuals with some knowledge of evaluation. It presents a practical framework to help users choose the most suitable evaluation methods (from a total of 15 methods) for their specific needs. This tool functions as a learning device, guiding users to weigh the pros and cons of different methods logically and systematically, rather than providing a single definitive answer.   The core of the framework is the " Choice Triangle ," which is an evolution of the "Design Triangle." It structures the selection process by assessing a method's appropriateness across three dimensions : The method’s ability to answer a series of specific evaluation questions. The method’s more general ability to fulfill a series of tasks or reach specific goals. The evaluation stakeholders’ ability to accommodate the method’s specific requirements. In addition...

KEY PURPOSES OF EVALUATION

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According to the EU evaluation policy, evaluation has two primary purposes:  learning and accountability.  More information is provided in the images below. Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring   #Evaluation   #Reporting   #Research   #MEARL #social   #development   #humanitarian   #publichealth    

The True Value of Data

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In today’s world, organizations collect vast amounts of data, from community feedback and survey results to performance metrics and outcome evaluations. However, data alone is not enough. Numbers on a spreadsheet or charts in a report mean little if they sit untouched. The real value of data emerges only when it drives decision-making and action. For example, if an education program identifies that girls in rural areas have significantly lower attendance rates, this insight should spark targeted strategies such as providing transportation , improving logistics , engaging parents, or offering flexible learning schedules. The true value of data lies not in the information itself, but in how that information is used to adapt, improve, and create meaningful change. M&E professionals play a critical role in this process by transforming raw data into actionable insights and ensuring that decisions are evidence-informed. This is how we move from reporting for compliance to learning for im...