Evaluation and research play a crucial role in understanding the effectiveness of development programs. Recently, Untold Research undertook an endline study for FORUT's five-year development program cycle. This comprehensive study assessed the impact of the program implemented in five countries: India, Malawi, Nepal, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka. By targeting parents of adolescents, the program focused on four key areas: alcohol and drug prevention, children's rights, gender-based violence, and gender equality. Untold Research, through their expertise in data collection and analysis, collaborated with local research teams to ensure a thorough evaluation of the program's outcomes.
Reviewing Baseline Questionnaire and Translations:
Untold Research began by carefully reviewing the baseline questionnaire. This step allowed us to gain insights into the initial evaluation and establish a benchmark for measuring change over time. As the program spanned across diverse cultures and languages, local teams facilitated translations as needed. This ensured participants in each country could engage with the questionnaire in their native language, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.
Designing Sampling Plans:
Sampling is a crucial aspect of any research study as it determines the representativeness of the data and the ability to generalize the findings to the target population. Untold Research developed comprehensive sampling plans tailored to the unique context of each country. By considering factors such as demographics, geographical distribution, and cultural nuances, the team created representative samples which accurately reflected the population of parents of adolescents in each of the beneficiary communities.
Coordinating with Local Research Teams:
Collaboration with local research teams is vital to conducting successful studies in different countries. Untold Research worked closely with these teams to ensure a smooth and efficient data collection process. They provided training and guidance to the local researchers, ensuring data was collected using standardized protocols and methodologies. Regular communication and coordination facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences, strengthening the overall research process.
Measuring Change and Programmatic Impact:
The primary objective of the endline study conducted by Untold Research was to measure the change in indicators from the baseline and evaluate the programmatic impact. By comparing the data collected at the endline with the initial baseline data, FORUT will gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their development program in each of the five countries. This evaluation will enable them to identify areas of success, areas needing improvement, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the program's impact on parents' awareness and behaviors related to alcohol and drug prevention, children's rights, gender-based violence, and gender equality.