Why does it matter?

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes are crucial for any intervention programme because they provide a systematic way to assess the effectiveness and impact of the activities. M&E help  identify what is working well and what needs improvement, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and goals are met. 

By continuously collecting and analysing data, programmes can adapt to changing circumstances, address challenges promptly, and make informed decisions. 

Additionally, M&E foster transparency and accountability, building trust with stakeholders and funders. Ultimately, it enables programmes to demonstrate their value, advocate for support, and achieve sustainable, long-term success.

How to conduct it using the “Policy, People, Process” model developed by UNICAS

The video below is based on the expertise from the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare as well as the experience from the implementing Icehearts Europe pilot countries: Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Slovenia and Spain. 

The video mainly provides hints on why implementing Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) is key along with indicators of what to look for and how to best analyse and use collected data. It also introduced the MEL tools developed as part of the Icehearts Europe project.

In particular, the proposed template has been developed based on Digennaro et al. (2019), Icehearts Europe Situation Analysis and Needs Assessment (SANA), and Icehearts Europe implementation Guide to assess the SOCIAL IMPACT of the  Icehearts implementation activities.

Specifically, the proposed form is a  Self-Assessment Tool to be completed regularly, for example, at the beginning of the activities and once or twice a year until the end of the programme.

The checklist is intended to provide a self-assessment tool that will guide the respondent in a process of analysis of the capacity of the implementing organisation to develop the Icehearts Europe model aiming at preventing social exclusion, promoting health and mental well-being through an active lifestyle, and improving the psychosocial skills of vulnerable children and adolescents.