Introduction to Developing Logical Framework for International Volunteering Projects and Monitoring & Evaluation
Reflections by Patricia Malikebu (MIND Programme Manager for Health) and Simon Mpandeni (MIND Treasurer and Programme Manager for Finance) On Training Provided By VSO
Training Topic Introduction to Developing Logical Framework for International Volunteering Projects and Monitoring & Evaluation
Date of Training 26th - 28th May 2009
In a continued effort to enhance capacity building amongst its partner organisations, VSO UK (with funding from Big Lottery and DFID) organised a three day training workshop on Introduction to Developing Logistic Frameworks for International Volunteering Projects and Introduction to Monitoring & Evaluation.
The training took place at VSO's Putney Bridge Road offices from 26th to 28th May, 2009. This was attended by several Diaspora organisations from across the UK including MIND, an Aberdeen based Malawian Diaspora volunteering group. The aim of the workshop was to further enhance the understanding and development of Logical Frameworks, a tool that funders and donors use to evaluate projects. It outlines a project's goal and specific objectives and also looks at the assumptions underlying the ways and means of achieving such goal. It is also used to outline the necessary monitoring and evaluation methods once projects are in operation. The training was provided and facilitated by Marsha Jones, a freelance trainer on development issues.
Malawian Initiative for National Development (MIND) as one of the partner Diaspora organisations for VSO UK sent two participants to this training workshop, Mrs Patricia Malikebu (a Trustee and Programme Manager responsible for Health) and Mr Simon Mpandeni (Treasurer and Programme Manager for Finance). Undoubtedly all the participants to the workshop, including these two individuals, found it very useful. Their impression, shared by other participants, was that it had enhanced their understanding of how to develop well analysed Logical Frameworks (LogFrames) and that they appreciated the usefulness and importance of this tool for their respective organisations.
More specifically the participants commented about what they had learned in the following terms.
We learnt about how an organisation can develop a LogFrame from its goal and specific objectives (which are linked to a specific Millennium Development Goal- MDG). We also looked at the use of Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVI) and Means of Verification (MoV) which can be used in monitoring and evaluation of the project that an organisation is undertaking. Additionally we learned how to apply and use the Cause and Effect chart as well as the Means and End analysis, a relationship that holds the LogFrame all together.
The two MIND participants have been left with the full impression and belief that "MIND as an organisation has benefited very much from the training workshop". As a result of their participation in the workshop, both Simon Mpandeni and Patricia Malikebu are of the firm view that the training has further enhanced the capacity of MIND. Observing, they commented:
"after attending the training, we critically looked at our existing Health Project LogFrame and saw some of the shortfalls which we felt were necessary to fine tune".
This was in no way seeking to undermine the existing work already done by colleagues but rather taking a reflective view in light of the new knowledge gained. Simon in particular commented that
"it has been an eye opener for me personally in the sense that I can critically develop and analyse a Logframe for a specific project. I have also learnt how I can link a LogFrame to its narrative application and more importantly develop a comprehensive project budget from it. The training has provided me with a deeper understanding of what funders and donors would like to see in the event of seeking funding for our volunteering programme".
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) was another area in which Simon Mpandeni received training. Again he observed that it is well appreciated and recognised that M&E is another important project tool since donors would not want to fund a project that has all the indications that it would not achieve its goal. The OVI and MoV (mentioned earlier) which are also core components of the LogFrame provide an insight of analysing the success or failure of a project.
Again the training support offered by VSO, DFID and Big Lottery including its benefit to MIND is fully appreciated. As they both point out,
"we would like to commend VSO UK for providing such trainings in almost all areas of need to build capacity of Diaspora volunteering groups such as MIND. But more importantly as well is MIND's 'big thank you' to BIG Lottery and DFID who with their funding, VSO is able to conduct such trainings".
One of our objectives in MIND is to build the skill base amongst the Diaspora Malawians especially in the UK and support it. This is key and very vital in delivering our volunteering initiative to our mother country. Funding of such trainings by Big Lottery and DFID through VSO UK is in one way or another a very big help in itself to the poor local Malawian who we are targeting. We really appreciate the support offered by these two organisations.
Both Simon and Patricia share the same view as regards the trainer. She was outstanding and knows the stuff inside out which made it very easy for the participants to understand it. Well done Marsha!
Asked to comment on the training and its delivery, these are the views of one participant:
"It was very insightful, direct to the point and very relevant. The trainer was well informed, very friendly and took time to answer questions too. Well done to all participants too". Godwin Kwame (Fresh Start Africa) Education