Introduction – What is Monitoring & Evaluation?

Introduction – What is Monitoring & Evaluation?

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Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) help you track progress, assess effectiveness, and show impact — without turning mentoring into paperwork. In practice, monitoring is what you notice and record as you go; evaluation is how you step back to make sense of it and improve the next cycle.

  • Monitoring: continuous observation and light data (attendance, engagement, small changes).
  • Evaluation: periodic review of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
  • Goal here: make this natural process intentional, structured, and useful — especially in programmes with migrant women.

See the Difference at a Glance

Definition

Continuous, systematic collection of information during the programme.

real-timelight-touchsession-level
Purpose

Keep activities on track, support timely adjustments, and strengthen inclusion as you go.

Examples
  • Note attendance and punctuality trends.
  • Capture brief observations: confidence, initiative, comfort.
  • Log barriers: language, childcare, transport.
Quick tools
  • Mentor journal (2–3 lines after each session)
  • Short pulse check with mentees
  • Simple activity checklist
Observe Notice small shifts (a question asked, a skill attempted, a new routine). These are early signs of change.
Definition

Periodic assessment (mid-term, final, or post-programme) of what worked, what didn’t, and why.

formativesummativelearning loop
Purpose

Understand outcomes and causes, inform design and policy, and communicate results credibly.

Examples
  • Mid-cycle review with mentors and mentees.
  • Endline reflection on inclusion, empowerment, wellbeing.
  • Case stories combined with simple indicators.
Quick tools
  • Learning review workshop
  • Before/after self-assessment
  • Short outcome survey + stories
Tip Collect the lightest data that is still useful. Combine small numbers with voices and examples.
How Monitoring & Evaluation work together

Monitoring feeds evaluation with timely evidence; evaluation feeds monitoring with sharper questions and focus. Together they create a continuous learning cycle that keeps the programme relevant, ethical, and effective.

  • Monitoring = What is happening now? What do we need to adjust?
  • Evaluation = What difference did it make? What will we keep, change, or stop?
Design early Define a few clear outcomes and indicators at the start (e.g., confidence speaking, joining a club, steady attendance). Keep it simple and culturally sensitive.
Applying M&E in programmes with migrant women

Use culturally aware practices and remove barriers. Monitor access (language, transport, childcare) and comfort (women-only spaces, dress code, privacy). Evaluate outcomes that matter locally: confidence, social connections, routines, pathways to clubs or training.

  • Offer translation/interpretation for feedback.
  • Invite voice notes or visuals if writing is difficult.
  • Prioritise consent, dignity, and data minimisation.

Quick Check

Statement: Monitoring happens during delivery; evaluation looks back at results.
Statement: Evaluation must always use long surveys and complex metrics to be valid.

Reflection

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