SLN 4 Uganda: Youth Led Monitoring & Evaluation
It was on this day of 12th November 2009 when we held our last and fourth sharing and learning network, during which participants dug deep on the topic “In what ways has including young people as participants in monitoring and evaluation added value to our work?” The out comes of this session gave a number of answers to how young people can be involved in M&E and the value added. 
Therefore it is important to recognise that Monitoring and evaluation are tools that make it possible to identify and measure the results of projects, programs or policies. If I am to be specific monitoring provides regular information on how things are working. So whilst young people are beneficiaries of our projects, it’s also important that we are participating in M&E processes. This provides empowerment and experience, but also makes us appreciate the work being done. During an evaluation we get the opportunity to objectively measure the results of a program or a policy; enabling us to asses its relevance, coherence, effectiveness, as well as sustainability.
Participants at the SLN were a mix of Donors and CSOs who had experience of M&E as professionals and also working with young people. I was able to learn how different institutions have involved young people in Monitoring and Evaluation processes by either leading the process or working with them as partners. The following are some of the key lessons learnt:
- Youth need sufficient training on the tools to be used
- It is important to use youth friendly tools and local languages
- Appreciation packages such as certificates need to be considered, this is important for young people because it makes them feel part of the process.
- It was also noted that involvement of young people in this process can be cost effective compared to using professionals.
- It leads to getting the right data since it is more likely that youth will share sensitive information with their fellow peers rather than adults
The discussions were sparked off by a key note presentation from SPW Uganda on how they have been able to involve young people in M&E processes. During this session we were able to break down some of the challenges faced whilst involving young people and how they can be overcome. We also discussed some of the successes achieved and how working with youth has added value to organisations’ work.
This fourth SLN on YGP ended with a very important session of reviewing some of the parts of the draft guide. We considered specific parts of the case studies and next steps. Participants where taken through a series of case studies on how to use the guide.
Sammy
Ugandan Youth Participation Officer
Please click here for the Draft – SLN 4 Ug report 17-11-09.
