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Indigenous evaluation blog
Miriam Dominick Mkombozi, Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), TanzaniaIntroduction Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) form the backbone of effective development initiatives, providing the tools to measure, understand, and enhance the impact of interventions. As a young and emerging evaluator, I embarked on an incredible journey highlighting the transformative power of education, mentorship, and hands-on experience. My participation in the 5th Asian Pacific Winter School for Young and Emerging Evaluators and the Academic Symposium on M&E Education held from 30 November to 04 December 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was not just an event—it was a pivotal chapter in my career growth, empowering me with new knowledge and perspectives. The Start of an Enriching Adventure When my supervisor informed me about the Winter School, I immediately saw it as a golden opportunity to gain practical insights into monitoring and evaluation. After meticulous preparation and application, I was selected to attend. Soon after, I was also invited to the Academic Symposium as a panelist, an honor that amplified excitement and challenges, particularly financial ones. With resilience and the collaborative support from EvalYouth Asia, EvalIndigenous, African Evaluation Association (AfrEA), and my supervisor's contributions, I could attend both events. These experiences underscored the value of perseverance and community support in professional development, fostering a deep sense of belonging and shared purpose among us, the young and emerging evaluators. Key Learnings from the Winter School The two-day Winter School, organized by EvalYouth Asia, was a masterclass in M&E principles and practices. One standout session was on the Theory of Change, led by Soma De Silva. The participatory activities and discussions deepened my ability to connect program activities to desired outcomes, emphasizing the power of evidence-based approaches. Another enlightening session was on the Fundamentals of Evaluation Design by Ziad Moussa, who described evaluators as “cloud breakers”—those who clarify the often-obscured link between interventions and impacts. This metaphor vividly illustrates the evaluator's role in guiding meaningful change. Equally impactful was the session on Indigenous Evaluation by Dr. Fiona Cram and Serge Eric Yakeu. They urged evaluators to move beyond colonial frameworks and embrace culturally responsive methodologies. Tools like social mapping and storytelling were emphasized for their ability to empower communities by reflecting on their lived realities, fostering trust, and ensuring inclusivity. These lessons reshaped my understanding of creating evaluations that honor cultural diversity and local knowledge.
The "Methodology Mall" session was another highlight, offering hands-on exposure to six diverse methodologies: Outcome Harvesting, Most Significant Change, Success Case Method, Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), Contribution Analysis, and Document Review. Each methodology provides unique insights:
Exploring the Future of M&E Education The Academic Symposium, themed "The Future of Evaluation: The Role of Academic Education in M&E," brought together global experts to explore the evolving landscape of M&E. As a panelist in a roundtable discussion, I shared my journey from a novice to a confident evaluator, shaped by mentorship, volunteering, and education. This session reinforced the importance of standardized M&E curricula and practical training to bridge the gap between theory and fieldwork. We engaged in a crucial conversation about the future of our profession, discussing the need for more inclusive and culturally responsive evaluation practices, the role of technology in M&E, and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship in professional development. One particularly inspiring session centered on culturally responsive evaluation practices. Dr. Fiona Cram’s insights on decolonizing evaluation and embracing Indigenous worldviews resonated deeply with me. Her perspective emphasized how culturally rooted methodologies enhance the relevance of evaluations and empower the communities they serve. This reaffirmed my commitment to inclusive, ethical practices prioritizing stakeholder engagement and respect. Building Connections and Inspiring Growth Beyond the academic sessions, the symposium offered invaluable networking opportunities. I was privileged to connect with renowned experts like Ada Ocampo from IDEAS and Fiona Cram of EvalIndigenous. Conversations with peers from diverse backgrounds were equally enriching, opening doors to collaborative learning and mentorship opportunities that will undoubtedly shape my career trajectory. These interactions not only expanded my professional network but also inspired personal growth, fostering a deeper understanding of the global M&E community and the diverse perspectives that enrich our field.
As I look to the future, I am inspired to advocate for standardized M&E education that bridges the gap between academia and practice. By fostering knowledge-sharing, embracing diversity, and championing cultural inclusivity, we can build a more impactful evaluation profession capable of addressing complex global challenges. A Call to Action I am grateful to the organizations and mentors who made this journey possible. Their unwavering support enabled me to gain insights and experiences that will guide my career for years to come. I urge stakeholders in the M&E field to continue investing in young and emerging evaluators. By creating platforms for growth and collaboration, we can empower the next generation to lead transformative change in global development.
1 Comment
Thuweiba Ally
2/3/2025 06:52:54 am
THIS IS VERY AWESOME MIRIAM KEEP GOING MY GIRL AND KEEP IT VERY UP I WISH YOU LUCK❣️ Leave a Reply. |
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