At the end of the first phase of the TECS ICLEP 1 project in Malawi, the ECLT Foundation mandated two consultants to carry out the final evaluation of this project.

This final evaluation was conducted by:

• Ms Miriam Gachago, whose previous experience includes working with the ILO in Malawi and consultancy work for USDOL, USAID, PLAN International. Ms Gachago's work in this evaluation was focused on project activities
• Mr Innocent Mugwagwa, the finance manager for Save the Children Norway in Zimbabwe, who has also carried out research and consultancy within Zimbabwe for other agencies

The results of the evaluation helped TECS and ECLT assess the results of the program and the relevance of the approach, as well as draw key points of improvements for a possible future project and cooperation.

A mid-term evaluation was carried out after 15 months into implementation in November 2003. It was mainly meant to focus on the dynamic and process of the project but showed rapid progress and results.

The objectives of the evaluation

• Get an external, independent assessment of the program results, as well as its management
• Assess how actions and achievements conform to program objectives
• Assess the relevance of the poverty reduction approach

The general findings of the final evaluation

• Strong dynamic observed in the communities
• Obvious results on the ground (project activities)
• Positive interactions between implementing partners
• Consultants are supportive of the integrated/developmental approach
• School enrolment increased and child labour decreased in parallel

For the evaluation's executive summary, please click here.

The evaluation results were presented to the ECLT Foundation Board in March 2006, and the Board expressed their appreciation of the work accomplished by the implementing partners and also TECS's work.

At this same meeting, the ECLT Foundation Board approved a second phase for the project, ICLEP 2, for which you can find further information here.

Geneva, 26 April 2007