Guidelines for Meaningfully Engaging Youth and Young Emerging Evaluators (YEEs) in Evaluations
Blog by Natefo Mothupi – Emerging Evaluator at SAMEA (2024)
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is fundamental for effective decision-making, accountability, and learning. However, in Africa, a shortage of skilled evaluators hampers the ability to fully harness M&E for development initiatives (Matlala, 2024; UNFPA, 2023).
Addressing this gap requires innovative solutions, including expanding opportunities for youth and Young Emerging Evaluators (YEEs). The South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association (SAMEA) has been at the forefront of this effort, particularly through its YEE Programme.
Shifting the Paradigm: Youth and YEE Participation
The term Young Emerging Evaluators focuses on capacitating youth (below the age of 35) within M&E. Through mentorship, competency-based training, and real-world evaluation opportunities, the YEE Programme aims to elevate youth from passive participants to co-creators in evaluation processes (Matlala, 2024; Ngwabi et al., 2020).
This participatory approach enriches evaluations by grounding them in the realities of youth experiences and fostering more inclusive, credible practices (Eval4Action, 2024).
Barriers to Youth and YEE Involvement
Several barriers hinder meaningful youth engagement, including:
- Tokenistic engagement, where youth are relegated to peripheral roles (Matlala, 2024)
- Lack of structured mentorship and capacity building (EvalForward, 2022)
- Organisational resistance to shifting power dynamics (Ngwabi et al., 2020)
These barriers undermine innovation and perpetuate exclusion in M&E.
Addressing Barriers and Enhancing Participation
Key strategies to enhance youth involvement include:
- Capacity Building: Integrating technical and soft skills development (Matlala, 2024)
- Mentorship and Support: Bridging the gap between theory and practice (Eval4Action, 2024)
- Participatory Approaches: Engaging youth as equal partners (CDA, 2023)
Organisational Commitment: Institutionalising youth engagement policies (UNFPA, 2023)
SAMEA’s Contributions
SAMEA’s YEE Programme rests on three pillars:
- Mentorship
- Capacity Building
- Advocacy
Through competency frameworks, participatory tools, and leadership in the YEE strand, SAMEA continues to bridge the gap between academia and professional practice.
Existing Guidelines to Date
| Guideline/Framework | Region | Year | Sector | Description and Purpose | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matlala’s Emerging Evaluator article | South Africa | 2024 | Academic Sector | Focuses on integrating emerging evaluators into evaluation projects by defining roles, offering structured mentorship, and emphasising capacity building. The purpose is to enhance inclusivity and leverage youth perspectives in evaluations. | Empowerment of EEs requires clear role definitions and mentorship. Inclusion in all evaluation phases enriches both evaluator development and evaluation quality. |
| Khulisa Youth Inclusion Framework | South Africa | 2024 | Private Sector | Developed by Khulisa Management Services, this framework aims to adapt youth engagement techniques to specific sectors. It focuses on capacity building, youth feedback integration, and sector-specific adaptations. | Youth involvement enhances program relevance and responsiveness. Continuous monitoring and sector-tailored strategies are essential for effectiveness. |
| Eval4Action Standards | Global | 2024 | Civil Society | A comprehensive guide by Eval4Action, providing actionable steps for engaging youth in evaluations, from preparation to reporting. Focuses on inclusivity, intergenerational collaboration, and participatory approaches. | Young people are transformative agents in evaluations. Integrating youth enhances accountability and program responsiveness to their needs. |
| HFRP Youth Research Projects | United States | 2002 | Civil Society | Developed by the Harvard Family Research Project, this guideline emphasises youth participation in research and evaluation. It focuses on creating readiness within organisations, providing training, and enhancing organisational cultures supportive of youth involvement. | Youth involvement leads to personal growth and community impact. Tailoring roles to skills ensures meaningful engagement and sustained participation. |
| CDA Youth Engagement Guide | Global | 2023 | Private Sector | Created by the Center for the Developing Adolescent, this guide links adolescent developmental science to evaluation practices. It emphasises six developmental tasks of adolescence, such as decision-making, perspective-taking, and mentorship. | Adolescence is an ideal phase for learning through evaluation. Risk-taking and exploration opportunities empower youth and improve evaluation outcomes. |
| UNFPA Youth Engagement Guide | Global | 2024 | Public Sector | Produced by UNFPA, this guide provides practical advice for integrating youth into evaluation processes. It covers all phases of evaluations and includes participatory approaches, co-management opportunities, and feedback integration. | Placing youth at the centre of evaluations ensures that programs are relevant and reflective of their realities, enhancing sustainability and equity. |
SAMEA Guideline
Based on regional experience and stakeholder workshops, SAMEA proposes the following guideline structured across the evaluation process:
Phase 1: Inception and Design
- Engage YEEs in stakeholder meetings
- Establish mentorship programmes
- Conduct skill development workshops
Key Considerations: Create an inclusive, supportive environment and ensure accessible training.
Phase 2: Data Collection and Analysis
- Provide field training opportunities
- Promote collaboration during fieldwork
- Involve YEEs in data analysis processes
Key Considerations: Ensure ongoing feedback, mentorship, and access to analysis tools.
Phase 3: Reporting and Dissemination
- Involve YEEs in co-authoring reports
- Develop presentation skills
- Leverage media and digital platforms for dissemination
Key Considerations: Recognise contributions and promote professional growth.
Youth as Evaluands
Phase 1: Inception and Design
- Involve youth in tool development
- Pre-evaluation engagement to build trust
Key Considerations: Ensure tools are youth-friendly and culturally sensitive.
Phase 2: Data Collection and Analysis
- Use participatory methods (e.g., focus groups, storytelling)
- Employ anonymous feedback mechanisms
- Involve youth in validating findings
Key Considerations: Address barriers like digital divides and language gaps.
Phase 3: Reporting and Dissemination
- Develop youth-centric summaries
- Host sense-making workshops
- Disseminate findings through digital channels
Key Considerations: Clearly demonstrate how youth contributions shaped recommendations.
Limitations of the Guidelines
Challenges include:
- Resource Intensiveness: High costs of full implementation
- Institutional Rigidity: Bureaucratic hurdles in government sectors
- Mentorship Gaps: Lack of experienced mentors
- Scalability Issues: Variations in organisational capacities
- Sustainability Challenges: Maintaining youth engagement post-project
Conclusion
These guidelines offer a comprehensive framework for meaningfully involving youth and YEEs in evaluations. However, successful implementation demands sustained organisational commitment, flexible approaches tailored to local contexts, and a willingness to address systemic barriers.
SAMEA’s leadership positions it well to drive these changes, setting a new benchmark for equity-driven, youth-centred evaluation practices across Africa.
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