Background

Development cooperation projects have a need and obligation to scrutinize the outcomes and results of its interventions. Thus, the development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system has a prominent place in GEIP activities.
Relevant monitoring and evaluation instruments for the fourth phase were jointly developed among the three GEIP components, along with the support of an international expert. Component 3 leads the technical planning and implementation of the monitoring system, and the capacity development of partner staff and local experts.  

The result based monitoring (RBM) and evaluation system currently applied by GEIP is summarized below.
 
(1) Baseline and endline studies

Baseline studies can provide insight into the status quo of a specific field of education in a specific region at the beginning of a program’s interventions. The baseline study for GEIP interventions consists of two parts (April and September 2012) and is conducted in a sample of schools for all GEIP activities. It comprises the following instruments: 

The information collected from baseline studies give important orientation for the work of GEIP, as they indicate the existing strengths and weaknesses in a particular field and help to develop the best fit approach.
The baseline study instruments will be used again for an endline study, which is conducted at the conclusion of the program’s interventions. A direct comparison between the baseline and endline studies will give good insight into the effects and changes related to the programs interventions.

(2) Progress monitoring

Progress monitoring is defined as the steps between baseline and endline study, when following up your activities and checking, if the activities fulfill the planned impacts. Therefore tools were developed which measure the short term impact of an activities and thus serve as management tools for steering the measures during the implementation period.
In the current phase, progress monitoring is done through the following tools:

• School assessment sheets
• School registers
• School profiles
• Field visits and classroom observations
• Training evaluations
• Focus group discussions

The results of these monitoring tools are presented and discussed regularly in steering meetings with the local partner or in GEIP team meetings.
The end results of the result based monitoring processes are summarized in RBM reports.

(3) Success stories

Whereas the RBM reports focus mainly on measurable evidence such as statistics and hard data, the real impact of GEIP activities on the education process is sometimes difficult to prove. For example, it is not easily observable if some critical thinking or a change of perspective has taken place. For this reason, GEIP also collects success stories which show the impact on peoples’ personal lives and professional careers.
Here you can find some examples of GEIP success stories.              
 
Beyond these internal program monitoring and evaluation measures, GEIP’s progress is also monitored and evaluated by the following instruments:

(4) Annual reports to the Ministry of Education

GEIP writes annual reports to the technical office at the Yemeni Ministry of Education, in which the activities and expenditures are made transparent and the main successes and developments are reported.

(5) Annual reports to the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC)

GEIP is required to justify the program implementation and spending to MOPIC which is fully informed about the program progress through the German Embassy.
 

(6) GIZ’s internal project progress reports, internal and external evaluations, and annual reports to BMZ

Additional to GEIP’s own monitoring system, the implementing agency GIZ issues its own progress reports before setting up a program and during each phase. Additionally, internal and external evaluations of GIZ are conducted annually. As well, GIZ is required to report annually to the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) regarding the main findings, activities and results of each program.