Capacitation & Training
We offer both customised and standardised training solutions. Talk to us about your skills gaps and let us design a program of support for you. This can include mentorship and training.
Our standard training packages include:
Theory of Change 101
Ad-hoc Capacitation We can tailor training to your needs. Talk to us about your skills gaps. We offer the following standard training programs:
Description: What is a ToC, why is it important, and how can it be used for program planning and in funding applications? Where do you start when you need to construct or refresh a ToC?- Suited for: This program is best suited for small management teams within an NPO or CBO. It assumes no prior knowledge of ToC or M&E. The team can work together to form a consistent understanding and make a start on the organization’s own ToC.
- Format: The program includes blended learning components of pre-reading and exercises with two three-hour online workshops spaced over two weeks, totalling approximately 12-14 hours of effort per person. This approach is sensitive to time constraints of management.
Using Digital Tools to Enhance M&E Efficiency and Effectiveness
- Description: This is an online one-day workshop that exposes M&E practitioners to various digital tools and solutions to help in data collection and data reporting.
- Suited for: This training program is most suited for those with M&E roles and presupposes existing knowledge of the M&E process. We offer the workshop session periodically or on request for groups larger than 10.
- Format: The first part of the day provides an overview of tools and examples of how these can be used to greater effect – broaden your mind by seeing what is out there and how it is used by others. We prioritize free software and tools.
The second part of the day aims to impart hard skills around using tools for data collection such as KoboToolbox and GIS tools for reporting (MyMaps and QGIS).
NGO Capacitation Program
Our comprehensive capacity-building initiative aims to enhance organizational capabilities through a focus on Strategy,Process, and People, over a two year period.
The rise of M&E is in part due to donors and funding organizations’ increasing need for accountability and transparency in how their funds are used. Another contributor is the maturing of the discipline, proving its ability to maximise success and impact.
Not surprisingly, funders increasingly prioritize measurable impact and outcomes from the projects they support. Yet many non-profits, and especially community based organisations (CBOs), do not have strong M&E capabilities. Especially when combining the trend towards digitalisation, expert skills and experience can often not be afforded.
Either funding applications neglected to ask for funds for capacity developent or funders prefer to limit funds to direct program componts While we offer short training courses and consulting services to help the not-for-profit sector improve their M&E capacilities, we have also put together a program, with the vision of providing more holistic and sustainable support.
Case Study: Summative Evaluation of the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC)
The South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC), administered by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF), underwent a comprehensive summative evaluation. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, the evaluation included:
- Analysis of databases containing program-generated data such as enrollments and performance scores per school, collected longitudinally.
- Qualitative interviews and focus groups with learners and teachers across various South African provinces.
- Professionally shot and edited video of research and findings in half of the countries studied.
Conducted on a national scale in South Africa, the study revealed robust and validated evidence supporting continuous participation in the Challenge as a catalyst for improving school performance in mathematics problem-solving scores over time. Learn More About the Foundation(https://www.samf.ac.za/en/about-maths-foundation)
Business Owner and Lead Consultant
Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the
dynamic challenges businesses face in today's ever-
changing landscape. We pride ourselves on being more
than just advisors; we are strategic partners on your
journey towards success. Here's a glimpse of what you can
expect from our approach
We invite you to take a closer look at the intricacies of
our consultative methodology. At Your Consulting Firm
Name, we believe in more than just offering quick fixes
Our Program - Year 1: Redesign and Transformation of M&E
- Strategy: Conduct a comprehensive review of the Theory of Change (ToC), logframes, and indicators to ensure alignment with organizational goals and between the strategy and process. This may include a detailed assessment of compliance and funding strategies, as needed.
- People: Identify opportunities for upskilling and mentoring M&E managers/officers. Provide training for office or field staff on newly introduced digital tools.
- Process: Map data flows and investigate opportunities for digitalization. Implement new systems gradually over the year, tailored to the unique circumstances of the NPO, considering strategic and resource constraints.
Guiding Light For business: Our Vision and Purpose for a Better Tomorrow
Our mission is to provide unwavering support and expert
guidance to businesses of all sizes. We are dedicated to
helping our clients navigate the complex landscape of
their industries, overcome challenges, and achieve their
strategic goals. Our commitment to excellence and
innovation drives us to deliver customized
Collaboration and Partnership
Our success is built on mutual respect and collaboration with our clients. We foster long-term relationships by listening, understanding, and working together to achieve shared goals."
Adaptability
In a rapidly changing world, we adapt quickly to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our flexible approach allows us to provide customized solutions that align with specific circumstances and objectives.
Empowerment
We believe in empowering our team members to take initiative and make informed decisions. Likewise, we empower our clients by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Year 2: Mentorship and Problem-Solving
In the second year, our involvement tapers down to two consulting days per month, focused on mentorship and addressing specific challenges.
As we practice what we preach, we will collect data throught the year to show progress (outputs), and evidence of how this is changing the organition for the better (outcomes)
.
Guiding Light For business: Our Vision and Purpose for a Better Tomorrow
Our mission is to provide unwavering support and expert
guidance to businesses of all sizes. We are dedicated to
helping our clients navigate the complex landscape of
their industries, overcome challenges, and achieve their
strategic goals. Our commitment to excellence and
innovation drives us to deliver customized
Collaboration and Partnership
Our success is built on mutual respect and collaboration with our clients. We foster long-term relationships by listening, understanding, and working together to achieve shared goals."
Adaptability
In a rapidly changing world, we adapt quickly to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our flexible approach allows us to provide customized solutions that align with specific circumstances and objectives.
Empowerment
We believe in empowering our team members to take initiative and make informed decisions. Likewise, we empower our clients by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Business Owner and Lead Consultant
Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the
dynamic challenges businesses face in today's ever-
changing landscape. We pride ourselves on being more
than just advisors; we are strategic partners on your
journey towards success. Here's a glimpse of what you can
expect from our approach
We invite you to take a closer look at the intricacies of
our consultative methodology. At Your Consulting Firm
Name, we believe in more than just offering quick fixes
Comprehensive Analysis
Emphasize your commitment to putting clients first.
Collaborative Partnership
Emphasize your commitment to putting clients first.
Current Implementation
Our South African office, operating through MG Analytics, is currently working with the Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre (Siyavuna). Siyavuna’ s goal is to transform agricultural livelihood strategies and approaches and obtain sustainable micro agricultural growth by implementing resilient agricultural programmes. Their programmes focus on job creation, skills development, and new opportunities for youth to contribute to the value change in food and nutritional security. Our capacitation partnership with Siyavuna has achieved significant success already, introducing process digitization and optimizing monitoring data collection.
- QR Codes: Used to uniquely identify participants and track their engagement across various activities, including training events, weekly site visits, vegetable sales, and final evaluations.
- KoboToolbox: Implemented for data collection, reducing time and effort while enhancing data quality.
- Database Construction: Plans are in place to create a database that consolidates data from various sources, providing a “single source” view of each participant. This will add to the insights that can be drawn and improve the speed and quality of regular monitoring reports.
Innovative Solutions:
Guiding Light For business: Our Vision and Purpose for a Better Tomorrow
Our mission is to provide unwavering support and expert
guidance to businesses of all sizes. We are dedicated to
helping our clients navigate the complex landscape of
their industries, overcome challenges, and achieve their
strategic goals. Our commitment to excellence and
innovation drives us to deliver customized
Collaboration and Partnership
Our success is built on mutual respect and collaboration with our clients. We foster long-term relationships by listening, understanding, and working together to achieve shared goals."
Adaptability
In a rapidly changing world, we adapt quickly to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our flexible approach allows us to provide customized solutions that align with specific circumstances and objectives.
Empowerment
We believe in empowering our team members to take initiative and make informed decisions. Likewise, we empower our clients by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Business Owner and Lead Consultant
Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the
dynamic challenges businesses face in today's ever-
changing landscape. We pride ourselves on being more
than just advisors; we are strategic partners on your
journey towards success. Here's a glimpse of what you can
expect from our approach
We invite you to take a closer look at the intricacies of
our consultative methodology. At Your Consulting Firm
Name, we believe in more than just offering quick fixes
Comprehensive Analysis
Emphasize your commitment to putting clients first.
Collaborative Partnership
Emphasize your commitment to putting clients first.
Why funders should invest in the program:
- Capacitating non-profits in M&E helps ensure that funded programs are effectively monitored, evaluated, and adjusted to maximize impact.
- Creates sustainability for the organization and helps them scale successfully, ensuring greater impact.
- Fosters a culture of learning and knowledge sharing within the sector.
- The focus on digitalization promotes efficiencies and supports Fourth Industrial Revolution goals.
Contact us to discuss supporting an organization of your choice or to support an organization we have identified (in need but with no funds for capacitation).
For South African investors, capacity development will earn you BBBEE points. In South Africa, the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policy framework aims to advance economic transformation and enhance the participation of Black people in the South African economy. In South Africa, businesses can indeed earn BBBEE points by investing in capacitation programs for NGOs. This aligns with the BBBEE scorecard, which includes elements such as skills development and socio-economic development. Contact us to learn more.