3.5 Limitations of the Evaluation
The study engaged 41 survey respondents and included 12 FGDs and 13 KIIs. Although a baseline comparison was not statistically included, the use of a mixed-methods approach ensured strong and reliable findings through triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data, as well as perspectives from all relevant groups as mentioned in the previous section.
Some data was self-reported( e. g., student improvements in attendance and academic performance), which may include respondent bias such as overestimation. Reliability was, however, strengthened by interviewing teachers and parents about the same students and triangulating their perspectives with student responses. The Sonder Project’ s monitoring data confirmed overall improvements in attendance and performance.
Due to time and budget limitations, the evaluation was not structured to establish causality. However, evidence from across the involved groups including beneficiaries revealed strong and consistent narratives of change, which participants directly attributed to The Sonder Project’ s activities.
4. Impact Evaluation Results
Overall, both beneficiaries and stakeholders across various groups expressed broad appreciation for The Sonder Project’ s WASH and EIP initiatives, noting progress consistent with the Theory of Change. The evaluation directly points to gains across multiple output and outcome indicators under both interventions.
4.1 The Water is Our Right Project on WASH
4.1.1 Sustained Functionality of Water Infrastructure
During the evaluation period, respondents reported that The Sonder Project’ s water intervention had sustained operational functionality across the visited communities, highlighting a significant achievement in comparison to many rural water infrastructure initiatives that commonly suffer from mechanical failures and lack of timely repairs. A parent from Mpeni said:“ It seems the Sonder support has operated well unlike other NGOs whose boreholes break down within a few months.”
Overall, communities affirmed that The Sonder Project’ s water sources are largely meeting local needs, with residents noting dependable access and clear improvements in proximity and safety. The shift away from open water sources has been widely welcomed, reflecting growing confidence in the boreholes and their contribution to cleaner, more convenient water collection. In some situations, however, the increase in demand for water sources particularly during the dry season can lead to occasional queues and distance-related challenges, prompting limited intermittent use of nearby streams as a contingency measure.
“ Some people in our village still draw water from open water sources like streams and rivers, especially during the dry season when the borehole might not meet everyone’ s needs.”
— Chimphako WASH beneficiaries
Even so, residents underscored meaningful progress, stressing that water is now closer and safer. This clearly suggests strong uptake and impact, alongside an opportunity for the project to further optimise access during peak periods such as dry season.
“ It used to be very hard to get clean water. Now, it’ s closer and safer. We no longer share water with animals.”
— Chimphako WASH beneficiaries
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