From 2022 to 2024, PDA’s team of evaluators and data analysts provided technical support to the Mastercard Foundation in the implementation of the Young Africa Works programme in Ghana, an initiative that is focused on providing economic opportunities and well-being for young people in Ghana and Africa.
Several activities have been completed under this project, including nationwide data collection, analysis and reporting for a baseline report. Moreover, the PDA team designed an evaluation and assessment matrix to monitor and measure the impact of the work of the Mastercard Foundation in Ghana. The following were the specific activities under the project:
1. Outcome Baseline Activities
PDA conducted a nationwide baseline data collection, analyzed the data, and produced an Outcomes Baseline report. The team presented the findings of the baseline assessment at the Foundation’s Ghana Sensemaking Workshop.
In September 2023, PDA collaborated with the Foundation’s Ghana Impact team to organise a Partner Impact Convening, bringing together all partners of the Mastercard Foundation in Ghana to share findings of the baseline assessment. The Convening was also used to discuss modalities and the way forward for impact monitoring of projects under the Young Africa Works program. PDA produced a comprehensive report after the Convening, covering the implications of the baseline findings for implementing partners and the approach for impact monitoring.
2. Young Impact Associates Programme
In July 2023, PDA led in organizing a maiden graduation ceremony for Cohort 1 of the Young Impact Associates (YIA) program in Ghana.
The YIAs received one year of intense practical and theoretical training in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) led by PDA and the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in partnership with the Ghana Monitoring and Evaluation Forum (GMEF).
The YIA program is part of the Foundation’s strategy to develop young African evaluators to lead evaluations on the continent and contribute to the MEL debate and knowledge production.
3. Impact Monitoring Activities
Between February and March 2024, PDA conducted another phase of impact monitoring of collecting data on youth and enterprises who have benefitted from the Foundation’s support. The team is currently finalising a field report and transcripts to be shared with the Foundation.