Monitoring refers to regular collection and analysis of data to assist in timely decision making, ensure accountability and provide the basis for evaluation and learning. It is a continuous function that aims primarily to provide the management and main stakeholders with early indications of progress, or lack thereof, in the achievement of results.
Evaluation is a systematic examination of a planned, ongoing or completed project to determine extent to which objectives & impact are being/have been achieved. It is a selective exercise that attempts to systematically and objectively assess progress towards and the achievement of an outcome.
Evaluation is not a one-time event, but an exercise involving assessments of differing scope and depth carried out at several points in time in response to evolving needs for evaluative knowledge and learning during the effort to achieve an outcome.
In STIPA Evaluation takes place at Objectives (to determine outcomes) and Goal (to determine impact).
Evaluation is done at two levels that include: Internal Assessment by STIPA Monitoring and Team as the first Level and External Evaluation conducted by appointed by its donors. With the existence of strong Monitoring and Evaluation system STIPA is able to accomplish all its projects in time and impact measured accordingly.
Evaluation Tools in use include: Questionnaires, Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Visioning Matrix, Mango Check to ascertain Efficiency, Comprehensive Participatory Planning and Review.
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan is informed by STIPA Five Years Strategic and Annual Plans.