Evaluation Report:
Toril Særetøy
(25.05.2010)
With the objective to ensure access to quality education for conflict-affected children in Liberia, NRC started running the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) in Liberia in 2005. Two cycles of learners will have completed the programme when it phases out in July 2010.
The purpose of this evaluation was to evaluate the quality of the programme, with specific emphasis on the accelerated nature of learning in ALP. Focus is also on the added value of the complementary components of the ALP, such as flexible classes for young mothers and adult literacy. The evaluation also debates the sustainability of the program.
The main conclusions in the evaluation of ALP in Liberia are:
- The education delivered through the programme has been of high quality measured both by the fairly high retention rates and performance levels of ALP learners
- A main reason for this achievement has been the frequent teacher support and supervision which have ensured teacher attendance and quality of teaching
- The ALP curriculum does not sufficiently take into account the learning needs of children which have never been to school
- The additional components of young mothers’ classes and adult literacy have contributed to improved attendance- and completion rates among girls
- To strengthen sustainability NRC should have ensured stronger collaboration and coordination with the Liberia Ministry of Education at national and local levels.
The findings of this ALP evaluation will guide the exit phase of the ALP programme in Liberia and feed into NRC’s global education response strategy.