Monitoring & Evaluating, Accountability And Learning Training Workshop

Introduction

Achieve unparalleled program success by mastering the critical skills of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). Our MEAL Training Workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential tools needed to drive development program performance, foster accountability, and promote continuous learning. MEAL is not only about tracking progress but about creating systems that adapt to evolving challenges, assess real-time impact, and ensure that programs achieve their intended outcomes. Through this intensive Monitoring & Evaluating, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Training workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the MEAL framework, develop skills in designing robust MEAL strategies, and implement systems that meet the stringent standards of donors and stakeholders. This Monitoring & Evaluating, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Training course focuses on practical application, giving you the opportunity to build MEAL tools, conduct baseline studies, and enhance your organization's project reporting and accountability mechanisms. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and incorporating key accountability elements, you will ensure that your projects are responsive, transparent, and effective in meeting both goals and stakeholder needs.

Course Objectives

By the end of this Monitoring & Evaluating, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of MEAL.
• Design and implement MEAL strategies, systems, and frameworks.
• Develop and support MEAL tools for program development.
• Conduct program baselines, mid-term reviews, and end-line evaluations.
• Apply best practices for data quality management, data collection, and analysis.
• Report on project progress using MEAL data and tools.
• Ensure accountability and learning are integrated into program operations.

Duration

10 Days

Who Should Attend

This Monitoring & Evaluating, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Training course is designed for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Program staff and management team members
• Project management officials
• Government officials
• Program managers and policymakers
• Development practitioners and activists
• NGO and CSO members

Course Contents

Module 1: Introduction to Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

• Overview of M&E in the project/programme cycle
• Identifying gaps and barriers in M&E
• MEAL components and its approach
• How MEAL transforms traditional M&E

Module 2: Frameworks and MEAL Cycle

• Frameworks and approaches informing MEAL
• Defining indicators and managing a MEAL framework
• The MEAL cycle and key elements of MEAL plans

Module 3: MEAL Planning and Budgeting

• Planning and budgeting for MEAL activities
• Tools for monitoring and evaluation
• Identifying goals, indicators, and targets

Module 4: Accountability and Learning

• Practical aspects of accountability
• Information sharing, participation, and complaints handling
• Integrating accountability and learning into projects

Module 5: Baseline and Evaluation Design and Management

• Purpose and use of baselines, evaluations, and real-time reviews
• Steps for planning and conducting baselines and evaluations

Module 6: Survey Planning and Implementation

• Survey design and types of surveys
• Sampling methods and determining sample size
• Data collection techniques and designing survey tools

Module 7: MEAL Data Collection – Mobile Based Data Collection (ODK)

• Introduction to mobile-based data collection using ODK
• Designing and creating forms with ODK
• Installing and configuring ODK Collect for field use

Module 8: Data Quality Management, Tabulation, and Graphical Presentation (SPSS/Stata/R)

• Data quality management, variable types, and validation
• Descriptive statistics, frequency tables, and graphical data presentation

Module 9: Data Analysis and Interpretation (SPSS/Stata/R)

• Hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation analysis
• Qualitative data analysis and interpretation techniques

Module 10: Project Reporting through MEAL

• Using MEAL data for effective reporting
• Communicating project progress to stakeholders
• Incorporating lessons learned and using data for decision-making

General Notes

• This Monitoring & Evaluating, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Training course is led by seasoned trainers with extensive experience in MEAL systems, program management, and accountability practices. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical group work, case studies, and activities.
• Participants will receive comprehensive training manuals and additional reference materials.
• A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the course.
• Custom-tailored courses to meet specific organizational needs are available. Contact us at training@skillsforafrica.org for more information.
• The training will be conducted at the Skills for Africa Training Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The training fee includes tuition, materials, lunch, and the venue. Accommodation and airport transfers can be arranged upon request.
• Payment should be made to our bank account before the training begins. Proof of payment should be sent to training@skillsforafrica.org.