February 5-6, 2024 – Saathi successfully hosted its annual Retreat, Review, and Reflection event, providing an opportunity for staff members to contemplate the achievements and progress of the year 2023. This event serves as a platform to reflect on both the successes and challenges, setting the stage for the organization’s future endeavors. The primary focus of the event was to enhance the staff’s capabilities in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) tools. Additionally, detailed Implementing Plans (DIPs) were drafted for each project, ensuring a strategic approach for effective and impactful outcomes. In a commendable display of self-initiative, staff members actively committed to contribute to the review and formulation of existing policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), and guidelines. This collaborative effort aims to fortify the staff’s capacity in align with the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, further strengthening its commitment to making a positive impact for creating gender equality and just society. In addition to the reflections sessions, the event featured delightful moments with a BBQ dinner, dance, music, team-building games, and Bingo. These activities added a touch of enjoyment and solidarity to the occasion, fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere.
Saathi conducted a 1-Day MEL Plan induction and refresher workshop for its key staff on 25th January 2023, building upon the success of the previous year’s initiative where the MEL Plan was formulated and introduced. The workshop aimed to collectively adapt the MEL Plan throughout the organization, integrating it into Saathi’s MEAL system, projects, and programs. This strategic approach enhances evidence-based programming, allowing the organization to prioritize interventions with the highest impact on its cause. Highlighting its advocacy role, the workshop supports program and project leads in generating tailored MEL tools for internal management purposes, facilitating improved implementation. The session covered essential elements and concepts, including the scope and approach of MEL at Saathi. Key topics included result-based monitoring frameworks, employing a feminist lens for reflection and evaluation, and utilizing tools such as Spider web, Venn Diagrams, and case stories/success stories.
This workshop signifies Saathi’s commitment to continuous improvement and effective implementation, ensuring a robust MEL framework for ongoing success.
This workshop aligns with the “Strengthening CSOs and Amplifying Children’s Voices through Networking, Knowledge Sharing, and Action Learning for Promoting Children’s Rights in Nepal (SANKALP)” program. Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and executed under the auspices of Save The Children in Nepal.
SANKALP aims to empower civil society organizations by enhancing their effectiveness, with a focus on gender transformation, climate responsiveness, and promoting child rights. The program further emphasizes protecting civic space to advocate for the rights of marginalized and underprivileged populations, including women, children, and sexual and gender minority groups.
