Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Africa Fit for Children

Outline The rationale and purpose of the M&E Framework The components The Framework: Approach and indicators Role of CSOs in implementing the M&E Framework

The AU Commission called upon to carry out a mid-term review The Second Pan-African Forum on Children: Mid-Term Review was held in Cairo (2007) under the theme: Review of Progress and Call for Accelerated Action towards Achieving the African Common Position on Action on Children. AU commissioned at the 2 nd Pan African Forum in 2007 to develop M&E Framework that Member States can apply to report on progress made. To monitor the progress, Member States have made in implementing the provisions of the Call for Accelerated Action, the The rationale and purpose of the M&E Framework

The aim of the M&E Framework is to provide common sets of indicators for tracking progress on priority areas of the Plan of Action for Africa Fit for Children. Key objectives : Set benchmarks, evaluate progress, identify obstacles, share good practices and generate input to further enhance implementation and achieve the envisaged goals Serve as a guideline to enhance national M&E efforts and expedite coordination and implementation To facilitate reporting to relevant African Union organs such as the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare the Child The rationale and purpose of the M&E Framework... (contd)

The Call for Accelerated Action Towards Africa Fit for Children was agreed on in recognition that States should hold themselves accountable to ensure that: No child dies of avoidable diseases All children grow healthy They all get a decent education They are protected against abuse and exploitation They have a solid ground for a better future. States should aim at putting in place child-friendly policies and programmes States should remain committed to create an Africa safe and secure for all its children. The Components

The Components identified: 1. Legislative and Policy Framework 2.Institutional Framework 3.Resource Mobilisation 4.Enhancing Life Chances 5.Over-coming HIV and AIDS 6.Right to Education 7.Right to Protection 8.Right to Child Participation The Components... (contd)

The M&E framework anchored to the main components Attempt made to identify sufficient number of indicators within each of the components The generic flow is that: Member States would mobilise resources as inputs (human and financial resources, equipment, etc.) to implement the provisions and generate outputs. The outputs will be translated into outcomes The M&E framework reflects this sequence closely using verifiable indicators. The Framework: Approach and Indicators

Clear statements of measurable objectives for Africa Fit for Children for which indicators can be defined. Key monitoring and evaluation activities and timeline outlined Institutional arrangements for gathering, analysing, and reporting data and information suggested Structured questionnaire developed to solicit data and information Definition of key terms used in the M&E Framework to ensure uniformity The Framework: Approach and Indicators... (contd)

Type of data Both qualitative and quantitative indicators are included in the framework The approach was not data-driven For some of the indicators identified, there may be no readily available national data Inclusion of such indicators emphasises the need to include them as part of the key national statistics Frequency of data collection It depends on the nature of the indicator, method of data collection and availability of funds to cover the costs. Encouraging developments in the generation of socio-economic data (to track progress of MDGs and other commitments). The Framework: Approach and Indicators... (contd)

Frequency of data collection (contd) Data readily available for most indicators Biennial data collection suggested. Member States pay due attention to data collection and compilation Bodies responsible for data collection and compilation The collection and compilation of data and information involves several stakeholders The government body mandated to lead and coordinate childrens affairs to coordinate the compilation. Appointing a responsible officer would be a feasible approach Filled-in forms could also be accompanied with a status report The documents would have to be signed to legitimatise. The Framework: Approach and Indicators... (contd)

Data analysis and reporting The AU Commission will analyse the data compiled from member states. Review trends The AU Commission to disseminate/share the report through various means (workshops, seminars, WebPages, etc) to all major stakeholders. Prepare the State of Africas Children Report. The Framework: Approach and Indicators... (contd)

Highlights of the M&E Matrix OutputIndicatorsBaselineTarget Member states have ratified the ACRWC and other international instruments relating to children Number of member states which have ratified the ACRWC Number of member states which have ratified other relevant treaties - 45 member states (ACRWC) - 50 member states ratified (ILO 182) -All member states Outcome 1 Member states have put in place a comprehensive legal and policy framework for the protection of the rights and wellbeing of the child

Highlights of the M&E Matrix... (contd) OutputIndicatorsBaselineTarget Appropriate institutions for children are established National Plan of Action for Children developed Vital registration system at national level established Existence of an institution that leads and coordinates children issues Existence of a National Child Observatory Existence of an Ombudsperson for children Existence and coverage of the vital registration system in recording number of births and deaths of children -To be set on the basis of the first round assessment Each member state has an institution to lead children affairs, an observatory for child rights, Ombudspers on for children Outcome 2 Appropriate institutions are set up and strengthened

Highlights of the M&E Matrix... (contd) OutputIndicatorsBaselineTarget Sufficient amount of resources allocated for government bodies responsible for children Adequate resources allocated for social protection targeting OVC Percentage of national budget allocated for government structure that coordinates childrens issues Percentage of national budget allocated for social protection measures targeting OVC -To be set on the basis of the first round assessment - Commensu- rate budget to bodies responsible for childrens issues - Increased percentage of national budget for social protection Outcome 3 Member states increased resources for the implementation with focus on marginalised children (children from poor families, orphans and children with disabilities)

Highlights of the M&E Matrix... (contd) OutputIndicatorsBaselineTarget Establishment of functional Juvenile justice systems Comprehensive legal and policy framework relating to violence Existence of juvenile justice systems ercentage of national budget allocated for government structure that coordinates childrens issues Percentage of national budget allocated for social protection measures targeting OVC -To be set on the basis of the first round assessment - Commensu- rate budget to bodies responsible for childrens issues - Increased percentage of national budget for social protection Outcome 7 The protection of children from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence enhanced

Role of CSOs in implementing the M&E Framework Promoting the M&E Framework as a tool for monitoring progress Using the results to lobby for more action and inform programme development Support capacity building of relevant ministries Support in the compilation of data and information Contributing to the generation of relevant data

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