Building stronger humanitarian programs in Moldova: World Vision trains local partners on monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning
“A monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) training is important to our partners because it enables them to effectively manage their resources, meet refugees’ needs, and remain compliant with humanitarian standards and regulations,” shared Daria Derenchenko, World Vision’s MEAL Coordinator in Moldova.
A MEAL plan includes the collection, management and use of data which is gathered through a proper system using the appropriate disaggregation and methodologies and is checked to ensure quality. World Vision’s programs are guided by an Accountability Framework manifesting our commitment in the communities we work with.
More than eighty percent of World Vision’s work in Moldova is implemented through local partnerships in response to the needs of both Ukrainian refugees and host communities.
Enhancing the partners’ capacity, World Vision conducted a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) aimed at strengthening implementation and ensuring they are able to adapt to long-term ownership of the projects.
A total of 30 people took part in the workshop, representing local partners such as Communitas, Food Bank, and Step by Step.
“The monitoring and evaluation process is critical for our partners in Moldova as it helps them track the progress of their activities and ensure that they are achieving the desired impact”, said Liviu Cazacliu, World Vision’s MEAL officer.
Cazacliu said it allows the partners to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments, resulting in more efficient activities. He added, “We strongly believe that after the training, our dear partners, Step by Step, Communitas, and Food Bank, are better equipped to implement M&E processes in their work and achieve their goals.”
The monitoring and evaluation process is critical for our partners in Moldova as it helps them track the progress of their activities and ensure that they are achieving the desired impact.
In addition to providing tools and discussing theoretical concepts, World Vision trainers conducted a case study. Participants were urged to develop practical solutions and put the theory into action.
“Humanitarian workers who receive accountability training are likely to have better job satisfaction. Why? Because it provides them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to take ownership of their actions, decisions, and outcomes,” explained Derenchenko.
Derenchenko also added this can lead to improved overall performance and reduced turnover rates. Local partners cover different areas of interest. Communitas offers psychosocial support and protection, Step by Step works on education programs and Food Bank – food security.
“The presence of three local NGOs at the workshop provided us with the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and share practices. We now have the tools to improve decision-making and reporting. There is always room for improvement,” shared Olga Olievschi, project coordinator of Step by Step.
“The information was well-organized and clearly explained. Based on our everyday work, the capacity to undertake qualitative assessment and monitoring is more than essential to offer the necessary assistance to refugees in Ukraine, integration, and adaptation of refugees to society,” said Sorina Chitoroaga, Communitas project coordinator.
She continued, “Thank you to the World Vision team for organizing such an excellent training.” In Moldova, World Vision responded to the needs of more than 60,000 people in 32 districts, partnering with the World Food Programme, Communitas, Food Bank, Step by Step, HelpAge, and AVE Copiii.
Education, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), cash and vouchers, food security, and protection programs were provided to Ukrainian refugees and host communities.
Story and photos by Laurentia Jora, Communications Officer