MetaMetrics conducted a participatory evaluation project in the Ukraine that included an extensive training program. Participatory evaluation, a proven, innovative approach, enables stakeholders to actively define and address their issues, take ownership of findings, and facilitate their own follow-up actions. As a subcontractor to Abt Associates, MetaMetrics President Leo Surla served as Chief of Party/Training Facilitator on this effort. Following the workshops, the 19-person team, which included municipal and national government officials and USAID staff, traveled to six cities to evaluate the effectiveness of local self-government programs. The participant-evaluators determined that the goals they had articulated could best be achieved if creative solutions were proposed and if intensive, sustained support could be made available, initially for a few selected that showed real interest in the projects and the potential for change. Six months after the completion of the participatory evaluation, USAID personnel conducted an assessment of the project outcomes. The key finding was that 95% of the team recommendations had been substantively acted upon and implemented.

Client USAID

Partner Abt Associates

Areas Evaluation, Training, Economic Reform

Date 1999