Key takeaways from the launch of our monitoring, evaluation and learning toolkit for dual generational programming for early years in emergencies

On 18th November 2024, GSF held a webinar launching a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Toolkit, designed for dual-generational programming in early years in emergency contexts. A strong MEL system is the backbone of this programming, however, there is an absence of appropriate measurement tools and guidance.? Based on insights from literature and a pilot project in the fragile context of Waliso (Ethiopia) in partnership with Busara and Children in Crossfire, we have aimed to bridge this gap.???

We are grateful to our moderator, Dr Joan Lombardi, PhD Director for Early Opportunities,? and panelists, KanuPriya Jhunjhunwala, Head of Education and MEL at Children in Crossfire, and Varsha Ashok, Senior Associate at Busara for sharing their experiences on setting up a MEL system that measure outcomes for both young children and their caregivers in emergencies.??

Please access the complete toolkit here.? If you'd like to explore how to apply the toolkit to your own programme, please reach out to us by filling in the form here.

Here are some takeaways from the webinar:??

Unlike traditional programming, the dual-generational approach is designed to create outcomes for both children and caregivers, recognising that improving well-being for caregivers (e.g., through financial independence, access to services) has a direct, and valuable impact on the family as a whole, including the child. However, for these programmes to have a real and sustainable impact, the services need to be intentionally aligned. Offering services to families, without a shared and coherent vision for how they work together will not lift families out of vulnerability, despite having offerings for both children and caregivers.??

Dual-generational programming is not about doing more. It's about doing things differently.? Here are key points to consider while instituting dual-generational MEL systems:?

1. Collaborate across sectors: Dual-generational programmes are inherently multi-sectoral, often requiring expertise across areas like livelihoods, health, education—sectors that are difficult for a single organisation to fully address. Building collaborative partnerships with clear, and shared goals is therefore crucial.? ?
2. Co-create with local actors: In fragile settings, where conditions are dynamic and context-specific, co-creating with local actors is essential for developing effective dual-generational MEL systems. This involves using a phased, step-by-step approach to ensure that the community remains actively engaged, trust is gradually built, and local systems are supported without being overwhelmed.
3. A long-term commitment: The outcomes from a dual-generational programme take years to emerge. This means that a longer-term view- in practice, policies, and funding- is required beyond immediate, short-term metrics and measurement processes.??
4. Be iterative and responsive: In fragile contexts which are complex and rapidly evolving, regular feedback loops in MEL systems are essential to integrate to help adjust strategies in real-time. In emergency settings, the ability to quickly learn from data, pivot, and adapt is needed to maintain programme effectiveness and relevance.?

The complete recording of the session can be found here.?

About the Evidence Hub for Early Childhood Education and Development in Emergencies:??

This project is part of GSF’s broader efforts to build an evidence hub for early childhood education and development in emergencies. The evidence hub codifies promising local solutions, models, and approaches to improve education and well-being outcomes of children and families in emergency contexts, through a mix of pilot-based approaches, learning spaces like communities of practice, and systematisation of existing evidence and knowledge.?

Visit the Hub here.?

Please reach out to Priyanka ([email protected]) or Kavita ([email protected])? if you wish to partner to test the tool, learn more or provide feedback.?

Image credit: Children in Crossfire