Objectives:                 

The evaluation was an important element in the discussion on optimal utilization of extra-budgetary resources and the necessity for development of strategic thinking in the approach for contributing to EFA between donors and UNESCO.

Description:                

The Dutch DECIDE (see http://www.decidenet.nl/ ) consortium was selected by UNESCO to carry out the evaluation (April – July 2004). APS International Ltd. was the leading firm. The other (Dutch) consortium members in this evaluation were the University of Amsterdam, the Free University of Amsterdam, and STOAS in Wageningen. Also participated an expert from CECIP, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UNESCO’s main form of intervention at the country level is the provision of policy and strategic technical advice that will complement the efforts of other agencies to plan and fund specific programmes within the Dakar Framework and its six EFA goals. As a result UNESCO has developed a couple of five-year projects, which serve the further implementation of Dakar goals at (sub) national levels. Two types of interventions have been developed and implemented since 2002:

1.                  Technical assistance at the levels of national and regional governments;

2.                  Development of pilot projects which might serve as best practices with regard to the implementation of the Dakar goals.

The evaluation had a focus on:

1.                  The effectiveness of the implementation modalities

2.                  The relevance of the program

3.                  The effectiveness of the activities

4.                  The sustainability of the capacity of beneficiaries

5.                  The relevance of the extra budgetary activities

Results have been presented to UNESCO in August 2004.

Funding:                    

UNESCO HQ Paris – Education Sector