Final Evaluation of “Strengthening Household Opportunity through Youth Engagement (SHOYE)” Project

Client: Mahideb Jubo Somaj Kallayan Somity (MJSKS)
Location: Ulipur Upazila, Kurigram District, Bangladesh
Duration: December 2024 (1 month)
Project Overview:
The SHOYE project, implemented by MJSKS with support from the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation (KCF), addressed critical socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized youth and adolescents in Kurigram, one of Bangladesh’s most underdeveloped districts. The project empowered 425 youth and 400 adolescents through vocational training, life skills education, and income-generating activities (IGAs), while promoting gender equity and fostering community collaboration. With a focus on community-centered approaches, the project contributed to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth.

Our Role:
As the evaluation partner, Advanced Research Thoughts Lab Ltd. (ART Lab) conducted a rigorous final evaluation to measure the project’s effectiveness and impact. The evaluation focused on key areas, including income improvement, asset ownership, gender equity, youth engagement, and the reduction of anti-social behaviors, while providing actionable recommendations for future program improvements.

Key Activities:

• Document Review and Planning:
  Reviewed project documents, prepared an inception report, and outlined a robust evaluation methodology.
• Tool Development and Field Preparation:
  Designed and validated survey instruments, recruited and trained data collectors, and conducted pilot testing.
• Data Collection and Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Conducted structured surveys with 204 youth and 204 adolescents.
  • Facilitated 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), 4 case studies, and 7 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with community leaders, youth club members, and project staff.
  • Organized local workshops to collect insights from stakeholders.
• Field Inspections:
  Monitored vocational training programs, IGAs, and social campaigns, ensuring compliance with project objectives.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Performed robust quantitative analysis using statistical software.
  • Analyzed qualitative data using thematic coding to identify success stories and transformative outcomes.
  • Compared baseline and endline data to evaluate project achievements.
• Stakeholder Feedback and Dissemination:
  Presented findings at a national-level workshop and finalized the evaluation report, incorporating stakeholder inputs.

Outcome:
The evaluation highlighted the project’s success in empowering marginalized youth, fostering gender equity, and creating sustainable community development. The insights and recommendations provided a roadmap for enhancing future project designs and ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusivity.

Team Involved:

• Md. Maksud-Ul Hasan: Chairman, ART Lab
• Md. Tauhidur Rahman: Vice-Chairman, ART Lab
• Md. Zahirul Islam: Managing Director, ART Lab

Client Contact:
Shyamal Chandra Sarker
Deputy Director, MJSKS
Email: shoyepm.mjsks@gmail.com
Mobile: +8801713-773898

This project underscores ART Lab’s expertise in delivering high-quality evaluations, empowering communities, and driving impactful development initiatives.