In the modern development landscape, true program success is not just about achieving targets, but about building the capacity of communities to drive their own change. This training course is designed to empower M&E and project professionals to move beyond traditional, external-led evaluations and embrace the transformative power of Empowerment Evaluation. By shifting the role of the evaluator from an external expert to an internal facilitator, participants will learn how to engage communities as equal partners in the M&E process, ensuring that evaluation becomes a tool for self-determination, learning, and sustainable growth.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for applying the principles of Empowerment Evaluation at every stage of a program. Participants will gain skills in fostering a collaborative environment, building community capacity for data collection and analysis, and using evaluation findings to inform action and advocacy. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to enhance the relevance and sustainability of their interventions, ensuring that their work is not only effective but also deeply rooted in the strengths and aspirations of the communities they serve.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Program and Project Managers
• Community Development Workers
• Researchers
• Social Justice Advocates
• Strategic Planners
• Grant Managers
• Consultants
• Government Officials
• Public Health Practitioners

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles and philosophy of Empowerment Evaluation.
• Master the steps and techniques for engaging communities in the M&E process.
• Learn how to facilitate a collaborative and participatory evaluation.
• Build the capacity of community members for data collection and analysis.
• Develop a framework for using evaluation as a tool for action and advocacy.
• Integrate Empowerment Evaluation with traditional M&E methods.
• Foster a culture of self-determination and continuous learning within a program.
• Communicate evaluation findings in a clear and accessible way.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of evaluation data.
• Apply the Empowerment Evaluation approach to diverse contexts and programs.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Empowerment Evaluation

• The limitations of traditional, top-down evaluations
• Defining Empowerment Evaluation and its core principles
• The role of the evaluator as a facilitator and capacity builder
• The difference between an empowering and a disempowering evaluation
• An overview of the key steps in the Empowerment Evaluation process

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for Empowerment Evaluation

• Understanding the concept of community self-determination
• The importance of a program's vision and mission
• Identifying and engaging key stakeholders
• The role of a program's "theory of action"
• The power of a shared language and common purpose

Module 3: Step 1: Establishing a Vision

• Guiding participants in defining their vision for the program
• Using creative methods to elicit a shared vision
• The importance of a realistic and achievable vision
• Linking the vision to the program's long-term goals
• The role of a "vision statement" as a guiding star

Module 4: Step 2: Taking Stock

• Facilitating a collaborative self-assessment process
• The importance of identifying program strengths and weaknesses
• Developing a set of evaluation indicators together
• The role of a "taking stock" workshop
• Using different methods for data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups)

Module 5: Step 3: Planning for the Future

• Guiding the group in developing a plan of action
• Setting clear and measurable goals and objectives
• The importance of a realistic timeline and resource allocation
• Identifying who will do what and by when
• The role of a "planning for the future" workshop

Module 6: Step 4: Tracking Progress

• Building community capacity for data collection
• The importance of using simple and accessible tools
• How to manage and analyze data together
• The role of a "progress tracking" dashboard
• Using data to inform regular reflection meetings

Module 7: Step 5: Communicating Findings

• The importance of a clear and accessible reporting style
• Guiding the group in developing their own communication products
• Using storytelling, visuals, and multimedia
• The role of a "communication" workshop
• Communicating findings to different audiences (e.g., community members, donors)

Module 8: The Role of the Evaluator

• Shifting from an expert to a facilitator
• The skills required for an Empowerment Evaluator
• Managing power dynamics and group conflicts
• The importance of a non-judgmental and supportive approach
• The ethical responsibilities of the evaluator

Module 9: Integrating Empowerment Evaluation with M&E

• The role of Empowerment Evaluation in a mixed-methods approach
• How to use it to complement a traditional M&E system
• The importance of a continuous learning cycle
• The role of Empowerment Evaluation in a program's life cycle
• Using the findings for real-time adjustments

Module 10: Building Community Capacity

• Training community members in data collection and analysis
• The importance of a train-the-trainer model
• Building a system for ongoing support and mentorship
• The role of local organizations and leaders
• The long-term benefits of capacity building

Module 11: Empowerment Evaluation in Action: A Case Study

• A deep dive into a real-world Empowerment Evaluation project
• Analyzing the process and the resulting outcomes
• Identifying the challenges and successes
• Group discussion on lessons learned and best practices
• Applying the case study concepts to personal work

Module 12: Ethical Considerations in Empowerment Evaluation

• The importance of a community-led ethical review process
• The responsibility to protect sensitive information
• The potential for unintended consequences
• Ensuring the evaluation process is equitable and inclusive
• The role of trust and rapport

Module 13: Empowerment Evaluation and Advocacy

• Using evaluation findings to inform advocacy campaigns
• The role of data in strengthening a community's voice
• The importance of a strategic communication plan
• Building a case for change based on evidence
• The link between evaluation and social action

Module 14: Practical Application and Simulation

• A hands-on simulation of an Empowerment Evaluation project
• Participants work in teams to design and facilitate a mock evaluation
• Troubleshooting common challenges in real-time
• Developing a mini-action plan based on findings
• Peer review and feedback sessions on facilitation skills

Module 15: The Future of Participatory M&E

• The role of technology in enhancing empowerment
• The convergence of Empowerment Evaluation with other methodologies
• The rise of complexity-aware M&E
• The long-term implications for program design and funding
• Anticipating the next wave of participatory approaches

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.