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Inclusion: theory and practice : Children, Disability and Development - Achievement and Challenge. Contents
A Save the Children Fund global seminar to learn from experience and maximise impact - Extract from Conference Report - April 13th - 22nd 1994
Facilitator: Brian O'Toole
Aim of session:
To explore the issues of
evaluation in CBR.
Objectives:
1. To appreciate the complexity of
carrying out evaluations.
2. To begin the process of exploring
alternatives.
3. To appreciate the need of evaluation as an
essential part of CBR.
4. How to balance roles of participation
and analysis.
Summary:
Two ten minute presentations by Brian
O'Toole and Lizzie Nkosi set the scene for this discussion. Brian highlighted
the conflicts between quantitative and qualitative approaches, scientific and
practitioner needs, and the need for both internal and external validity.
Lizzie shared many issues that had been raised by her recent experience of
conducting an evaluation. 5 questions were allocated to groups, and responses
included:
1. What is the way forward? Community involvement, negotiation with donors, improve on-going record-keeping and monitoring systems, develop a pool of expertise, and training in evaluation methodologies.
2. What do participants want from evaluation? Learning and encouragement, ideas for improvement, a more objective view, future planning, useful documentation.
3. Who should be involved? Beneficiaries and families, project implementers, and depending on situations, government officials, community leaders, external facilitator.
4. What is the balance between participation and independence? This can be achieved by using a variety of methodologies, creating a balanced team, using a flexible and culturally sensitive approach, giving good training, setting clear TORs, involving everybody.
5. What is the purpose of evaluation? Self-checking, donor satisfaction, sharing experience, improving practice, team-building, assess impact, increasing self-esteem, influencing others, empowerment.
Although it was decided to form a working group of disabled people and parents, this group did not get off the ground during the week. There are currently several international initiatives on evaluation of CBR. Future action will include collaboration with these and piloting of existing models.
Inclusion: theory and practice : Children, Disability and Development - Achievement and Challenge. Contents
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19/11/1997