How could The Sonder Project attempt to overcome these barriers?
What were the criteria for students being selected into the Education is Power program? How could these criteria be improved to improve the effectiveness of this intervention?
Sustainability Are any positive results likely to be sustained? In what circumstances?
Do communities have self-funded management and maintenance systems set up for The Sonder Project-related water supplies?
To what extent do The Sonder Project’ s interventions support SDGs and Malawi-specific policies? Theory of Change Does qualitative evidence support the pathways of change in the Theory of Change?
3.3 Data Collection Tools
The data collection process used a mixed-methods approach, informed by both technical and methodological requirements, as well as ethical considerations. Following review by The Sonder Project staff, the tools were finalised and translated into Chichewa. TSI trained four data collectors in Kasungu: two to lead on qualitative data collection exclusively and two to lead on the student survey and provide support during qualitative data collection sessions. TSI’ s Project Manager and Director of Programs and Operations led the training, supported by TSI’ s CEO. Training included refresher sessions on research ethics, including modules on engaging communities,‘ do no harm’ principles, child protection and safeguarding, and disability and social inclusion considerations. Tool piloting was included in the training session in Kasungu and was by the TSI field team to fine-tune and confirm clarity of the tools to ensure seamless data collection.
The research team implemented additional ethical safeguards: first, all data collection was conducted in private settings to protect participant confidentiality and second, information was provided in local languages through trained interpreters where necessary. A key consideration for the student survey was ensuring special protocols for obtaining permission either from school officials or parents and guardians before conducting interviews, thereby setting the platform for appropriate consent and child assent procedures.
Student Surveys
Student surveys were administered using Kobo Toolbox, a digital data collection platform with both online and offline functionalities, and measures for assured data privacy 5. A structured questionnaire was used for the student survey to capture the impact of the EIP, which included procedures for informed consent, voluntary participation, and audio recording. The evaluation consulted 41 individuals, consisting of both current and previous EIP beneficiaries.
Key Informant Interviews
KIIs are a qualitative means of research which uses in-depth interviews with individuals who possess expert knowledge or first-hand experience on a specific subject matter, allowing for the complex exploration of issues and information 6. KIIs were conducted with project staff, project beneficiaries, academic officials including teachers and matrons, as well as community leaders. The KIIs were guided by informed consent to audio record the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire and were supplemented with written notes.
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Kobo ToolBox
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KII Better Evaluation Knowledge
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