Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the “Africa Fit for Children”

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the “Africa Fit for Children”

2. Outline The rationale and purpose of the M&E Framework The components The Framework: Approach and indicators Role of CSOs in implementing the M&E Framework

3. The rationale and purpose of the M&E Framework • The AU Commission called upon to carry out a mid-term review • The Second Pan-African Forum on Children: Mid-Term Review was held in Cairo (2007) under the theme: “Review of Progress and Call for Accelerated Action towards Achieving the African Common Position on Action on Children.’’ • AU commissioned at the 2nd Pan African Forum in 2007 to develop M&E Framework that Member States can apply to report on progress made. • To monitor the progress, Member States have made in implementing the provisions of the Call for Accelerated Action, the

4. The rationale and purpose of the M&E Framework . . . (cont’d) • The aim of the M&E Framework is to provide common sets of indicators for tracking progress on priority areas of the Plan of Action for Africa Fit for Children. • Key objectives : •  Set benchmarks, evaluate progress, identify obstacles, share good practices and generate input to further enhance implementation and achieve the envisaged goals  • Serve as a guideline to enhance national M&E efforts and expedite coordination and implementation  • To facilitate reporting to relevant African Union organs such as the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare the Child

5. The Components • The Call for Accelerated Action Towards Africa Fit for Children was agreed on in recognition that States should hold themselves accountable to ensure that: • No child dies of avoidable diseases • All children grow healthy • They all get a decent education • They are protected against abuse and exploitation • They have a solid ground for a better future. • States should aim at putting in place child-friendly policies and programmes • States should remain committed to create an Africa safe and secure for all its children.

6. The Components . . . (cont’d) The Components identified: •  Legislative and Policy Framework • Institutional Framework • Resource Mobilisation • Enhancing Life Chances • Over-coming HIV and AIDS • Right to Education • Right to Protection • Right to Child Participation

7. The Framework: Approach and Indicators • The M&E framework anchored to the main components • Attempt made to identify sufficient number of indicators within each of the components • The generic flow is that: • Member States would mobilise resources as inputs (human and financial resources, equipment, etc.) to implement the provisions and generate outputs. • The outputs will be translated into outcomes • The M&E framework reflects this sequence closely using verifiable indicators.

8. The Framework: Approach and Indicators . . . (cont’d) • Clear statements of measurable objectives for Africa Fit for Children for which indicators can be defined. •  Key monitoring and evaluation activities and timeline outlined • Institutional arrangements for gathering, analysing, and reporting data and information suggested •  Structured questionnaire developed to solicit data and information • Definition of key terms used in the M&E Framework to ensure uniformity

9. The Framework: Approach and Indicators . . . (cont’d) Type of data • Both qualitative and quantitative indicators are included in the framework • The approach was not data-driven • For some of the indicators identified, there may be no readily available national data • Inclusion of such indicators emphasises the need to include them as part of the key national statistics Frequency of data collection • It depends on the nature of the indicator, method of data collection and availability of funds to cover the costs. • Encouraging developments in the generation of socio-economic data (to track progress of MDGs and other commitments).

10. The Framework: Approach and Indicators . . . (cont’d) Frequency of data collection (cont’d) • Data readily available for most indicators • Biennial data collection suggested. • Member States pay due attention to data collection and compilation Bodies responsible for data collection and compilation • The collection and compilation of data and information involves several stakeholders • The government body mandated to lead and coordinate children’s affairs to coordinate the compilation. •  Appointing a responsible officer would be a feasible approach • Filled-in forms could also be accompanied with a status report • The documents would have to be signed to legitimatise.

11. The Framework: Approach and Indicators . . . (cont’d) Data analysis and reporting • The AU Commission will analyse the data compiled from member states. • Review trends • The AU Commission to disseminate/share the report through various means (workshops, seminars, WebPages, etc) to all major stakeholders. • Prepare the “State of Africa’s Children Report”.

12. Highlights of the M&E Matrix Outcome 1 Member states have put in place a comprehensive legal and policy framework for the protection of the rights and wellbeing of the child

13. Highlights of the M&E Matrix . . . (cont’d) Outcome 2 Appropriate institutions are set up and strengthened

14. Highlights of the M&E Matrix . . . (cont’d) Outcome 3 Member states increased resources for the implementation with focus on marginalised children (children from poor families, orphans and children with disabilities)

15. Highlights of the M&E Matrix . . . (cont’d) Outcome 7 The protection of children from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence enhanced

16. Role of CSOs in implementing the M&E Framework • Promoting the M&E Framework as a tool for monitoring progress • Using the results to lobby for more action and inform programme development • Support capacity building of relevant ministries • Support in the compilation of data and information • Contributing to the generation of relevant data

17. Thank you