C22 Looking back (evaluating)

• However much a group has managed to achieve, there will always be many more things that can be done. Sometimes a group will be very successful in some of its actions, whereas other actions may prove of little use. It’s always good to set aside time to look back and consider where the group has come from.
• Evaluation looks back at what has been achieved, studies the groups’ records, decides what have been the strengths and weaknesses, looks at how things could have been done more effectively and then makes new plans.
• A group who used the ideas suggested for planning will find it much easier to evaluate their work.
• Take time to be encouraged by progress, however small!

• Evaluation can take a lot of time, but it can be very valuable, so it is worth setting aside time each year to do this. Would it be helpful for someone from outside to take part in this as they can often see things very clearly? Could you ask another group to help with this?
• Often people rely on what they think is happening rather than what is actually happening. This is where surveys can help. For example, people may think that latrines are being well used, until a visit shows that this is not always the case. Decide what would be useful to measure and how the group members could do this.
• Carry out a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. This can look at organisations, activities or the work of a group. First consider all the strengths, then the weaknesses. Then consider opportunities for new possibilities and finally anything which may become a threat.

This page was last updated on 04 August 2005