Browsing by Author "Boodhoo, Adiilah"

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    A formative evaluation of LPC’s Montessori Preschool Programme
    (2019) Ubisse, Amosse Francisco; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    Research shows that early childhood interventions with fidelity to Montessori model generate learner’s outcomes that outperform the traditional model. The evidence is confirmed in developed and in developing countries. This formative evaluation reports the results of a Montessori model in implementation in township of Mfuleni, located in Cape Town, South Africa. Providing insights into the functioning of the programme, the evaluation confirms that the roll out of the Montessori model is still underway which may explain the reason of the learners not outperforming the comparison group.
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    A formative evaluation of the parent infant home visiting programme
    (2021) Percival, Sheridan-Lee; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    Background The Parent-Infant Home Visiting Programme (PIVHP) is a home-based parenting programme targeted at new and expectant mothers, characterised as vulnerable. Participants are recruited from low-income communities situated on the Cape Flats, in Cape Town, South Africa. The programme consists of antenatal and postnatal sessions, facilitated by trained Parent Infant Attachment Counsellors (PIACs) recruited from target communities. There are two programme cycles per year: one from January to June, and a second one from July to December. The overarching goal of PIHVP is to contribute towards the prevention of child abuse, abandonment and neglect; and to promote positive infant growth and development. The programme has to date not been guided by an explicit theory of change (TOC). There was no Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system in place, at the time of the evaluation, either. The programme engages in extensive data collection for administrative purposes. This data, however, is not captured nor analysed systematically to monitor progress or measure impact. This formative evaluation aims to capitalise on the existing data. Evaluation Focus This evaluation focused on the first 2019 programme cycle. The main objective of this evaluation was to determine the extent to which the PIHVP had been implemented with fidelity. As such, a process evaluation was conducted to address the following evaluation questions: 1. Did the PIHVP beneficiaries recruited for the first 2019 programme cycle meet the eligibility criteria specified by programme? 2. What proportion of participants completed and dropped out of the PIHVP during the first programme cycle of 2019? What are the reasons provided for programme dropout? questions: 3. To what extent did the PIHVP meet its targeted number of participants? What are the reasons for over/under coverage? 4. Did the participants receive the home-visiting sessions at the duration and frequency prescribed by the programme model? 5. Did PIACs complete and conduct all programme activities, developmental screenings and demonstrations as intended? 6. How did participants perceive PIACs in terms of the support they provided and their preparation level, knowledge, and reliability? 7. To what extent do PIACs implement the skills acquired through their training into their sessions? 8. Are the participants satisfied with the service they received? What are the strengths and limitations they identified? 9. To what extent did participants engage with the PIACs (around the content) during home-visit sessions? Methodology The evaluator first extracted and refined the programme's TOC through structured consultations with the programme manager. The plausibility of the PIHVP's programme theory was then assessed through an extensive literature review. The evaluator then proceeded with the process evaluation. A mixed methods approach was used, as combination of both primary and secondary data sources, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis were used to systematically answer the evaluation questions.
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    A programme theory and process evaluation of a youth development programme
    (2020) Swingler, Susan; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    Background The CoolPlay youth development programme (CYDP) is an after-school sport-for development (SFD) programme with an integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) component delivered to schools in low-income communities in Cape Town, South Africa. The CYDP is implemented by CoolPlay, an SFD organisation funded by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The aim is to provide youth with pro-social after-school activities that equip them with the social-emotional competence fundamental to becoming responsible and socially engaged citizens. The main programme stakeholders include the CoolPlay board of trustees, an operations manager, four area managers and 26 sport and SEL coaches (Champions). In 2018, I was appointed as a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) intern within the organisation. In my capacity as an M&E intern, I conducted an evaluability assessment (EA), which determined the scope and approach of the evaluation for this dissertation. Evaluation Focus The objective of the evaluation was to determine: (a) whether or not the CYDP can realistically produce the intended outcomes, and (b) the extent to which the programme is implemented in line with quality parameters identified in the literature. As such, a theory evaluation and a process evaluation were conducted sequentially to address the following evaluation questions: 1. What is the theory and logic underlying the CYDP design? 2. Is the programme theory and logic plausible? 3. What elements of the CYDP theory could be modified to maximise intended outcomes? 4. Do the Champions implement the CoolPlay sport sessions with sufficient quality? 5. What contextual factors may be influencing the implementation of the CoolPlay sport sessions? 6. Are the Champions adequately trained to deliver the CoolPlay sport sessions? 7. Is there adequate organisational support in place to facilitate implementation of CoolPlay sport sessions? Methodology The evaluator used Donaldson's (2007) five-step procedure for constructing and assessing the programme theory. An initial programme theory was constructed using programme documentation and focus group data derived from a purposive sample of seven programme stakeholders (evaluation question 1). The plausibility of the initial programme theory was assessed by means of an extensive literature review (evaluation question 2). The programme theory was critically reconstructed using Brouselle and Champagne's (2011) logic analysis procedure (evaluation question 3). The process evaluation used a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and integration methods (concurrent mixed methods design). An observational rating scale was administered to a convenience sample of 16 Champions during a routine observation session conducted by area managers to address evaluation question 4. A purposive sample of three area managers and a stratified randomised sample of four Champions participated in interviews to elicit the contextual factors influencing implementation (evaluation question 5), the adequacy of Champion training (evaluation question 6) and the adequacy of programme support functions (evaluation question 7). The operations manager also provided qualitative input on the adequacy of programme support functions through an interview. The qualitative data was analysed using Braun and Clarke (2006)'s procedure for thematic analysis. The interviews were supplemented by quantitative data derived from a mentor survey and an organisational survey completed by four Champions and five members of the programme management team, respectively. Key Findings and Conclusions The programme theory evaluation found that the initial programme theory and logic (evaluation question 1) is plausible, however effect sizes are likely to be low and programme effectiveness is highly dependent on developmentally appropriate content and structure, psychologically and physically safe programme environment, staff characteristics, parent/caregiver involvement, and youth participation and engagement (evaluation question 2 and 3). Preliminary insights derived from the EA suggest that the CYDP does not meet these quality parameters/requirements fully, thus highlighting the need for programme design and implementation improvement, as captured in the critically reconstructed programme theory (evaluation question 3). The process evaluation found deficiencies in implementation (evaluation question 4) linked to schools' commitment and capacity, parent/caregiver involvement, and youths' capacity to engage (evaluation question 5). Certain aspects of the training structure and content were found to be inadequate for developing all relevant competencies/skills, and poor Champion engagement was flagged as a critical issue (evaluation question 6). Implementation of the programme was further constrained by limited organisational capacity (evaluation question 7). These process evaluation findings confirm that the CYDP does not fully meet the programme quality parameters/requirements identified in the literature. Recommendations Key recommendations unpacked in this dissertation include the following: • Alignment of programme content with appropriate developmental milestones and unique interests of programme beneficiaries. It is recommended that the content is structured in a curriculum that follows the SAFE approach to SEL facilitation. • Provision of transport, nutrition, and first aid supplies and training, as well as implementation of strategies to address deviant behaviour to ensure that programme beneficiaries are physically and psychologically safe. • Efforts to hire, train and retain qualified Champions. These include adherence to documented selection criteria, a more comprehensive induction process, ongoing training and support including collaborative planning, debriefing and provision of mental health services. • Implementation of parental and teacher involvement strategies, such as invitation to CoolPlay meetings and workshops, distribution of newsletters, and provision of transport to and from CoolPlay events. • Implementation of M&E systems for participant enrolment, attendance, drop-out and engagement. • Allocation of resources toward securing qualified, full-time staff with experience in positive youth development. • Strengthening of programme quality before the CYDP is rolled out to additional sites, given that the programme has the potential to support both positive and negative developmental outcomes in youth.
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    A theory and process evaluation of the Learner Engagement Programme (LEP) implemented by Just Grace NPC
    (2022) Kwenda, Geraldine; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    Background The Learner Engagement Programme (LEP) is an after school dropout prevention programme that operates in Langa, a township located in Cape Town, South Africa. Langa is an impoverished township characterised by socio-economic challenges, such as high unemployment, violence, few economic opportunities and poor school infrastructure. The LEP aims to address learner disengagement of at-risk high school learners. It operates within the only five high schools in Langa: Langa High, Khulani High, Isimela High, Zimasa High, and Ikamva High. The programme is implemented by Just Grace, a non-profit organisation whose goal is to uplift the youth and community of Langa through educational, community and youth development programmes. Just Grace is funded by Trusts and Companies such as DGMT, Mineral Loy (Pty) Ltd, Swiss Philanthropic Foundation, Capfin (Pty) Ltd, Enigma Electrical (Pty) Ltd, Lot Emphangeni (Pty) Ltd, Mergon Foundation, Dairycap CC. Aims of the evaluation The evaluation aimed to determine: (a) the extent to which the programme design can realistically bring about the desired outcomes and (b) the extent to which the programme's planned activities are implemented with fidelity. A programme theory evaluation and process evaluation were carried out to address the following evaluation questions: Programme theory evaluation questions 1) What is the theory and logic underlying the LEP? 2) Is the programme theory and logic plausible? Process evaluation questions 1) Is the programme consistently servicing the planned target population? a. To what extent are learners appropriately identified as at risk? b. Which support services are used the most by learners? c. Are the programme services relevant to meet the learners' needs? 2) Are initial home visits being delivered according to planned programme procedures? 3) Are the programme staff adequately trained and equipped to work with at-risk learners and implement the programme's different components? Methodology The choice of methods for this evaluation was informed by the evaluation questions as well as by the practical opportunities and constraints associated with Level 3 lockdown in South Africa in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to programme beneficiaries was restricted during this time and the risks and concerns associated with face- to- face contact compelled the evaluator to capitalise on available secondary data sources and data gathered from programme staff (through a focus group) to address the process evaluation questions The programme theory evaluation was guided by Donaldson's (2007) systematic five-step framework in conjunction with Brouselle and Champagnes (2011) steps for a logic analysis. An initial LEP programme theory was developed using data obtained through a structured engagement with a purposive sample of four programme staff and a review of relevant programme documents. The plausibility of the programme theory was then examined in line with the best practice literature. Brousselle and Champagne's (2011) steps for a logic analysis were applied to guide process, which culminated into a reconstructed programme theory. To answer the process evaluation questions 1-3, programme documents were systematically analysed. A focus group, which gathered programme staff's experiences of and insights into the current programme infrastructure, challenges, and organisational support, was also conducted. The focus group data was analysed using Krueger's (1994) framework for thematic analysis. Key Findings The programme theory evaluation confirmed that the LEP initial programme theory and logic was plausible: the programme does incorporate a multi-level approach to tackling learner disengagement, targeting the individual, family and community. It addresses the psychosocial aspects that contribute to learner disengagement through the provision of one on one counselling, a life skills programme and parental support groups and training. The programme also has elements of an effective after school programme with qualified staff, adequate resources and efficient programme practices. A few shortcomings were identified through the evaluation: the programme lacks academic support, early warning systems, specialised external partners, and behavioural outcome measures, which are crucial in preventing school dropout. While the evaluator cannot conclusively determine whether the initial home visits are being delivered according to planned procedures (given the limitation of the data at hand), the process evaluation confirmed that the programme the criteria used to identify at risk learners are in line with the best practice literature. The process evaluation also revealed factors that compromised the effective implementation of the programme, including lack of commitment from partner schools, lack of trust in programme methods from parents/caregivers and a lack of staff safety when conducting home visits. Recommendations Key recommendations discussed in this evaluation include the following: • Development of an early warning system in tandem with partner schools as data on atrisk learners needs to be collected earlier in their school career and consistently to ensure the learner receives the necessary assistance timeously and suitable interventions are developed. • Provision of an academic component as learners who are provided with academic support in addition to psychosocial support have a higher chance of school completion. • Development of a behavioural monitoring system as effective programmes utilise behavioural outcome measures to assess programme effects on learners' behaviours • Forging partnerships with external agencies to assist the programme in specialised areas as the programme would benefit by being embedded in a broader network of community-based organisations, NGOs, civil organisations, and government agencies trained to provide specialised support and assistance to their beneficiaries.
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    An outcome evaluation of the Home-School partnership programme
    (2018) Muzire, Mufudzi; Chapman, Sarah; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    This is an outcomes evaluation of the Home-School Partnership (HSP) programme, implemented by Wordworks, an organisation based in the Western Cape Province. The programme aims to improve language and literacy for the children between four and eight years of age. To achieve this, the programme seeks to integrate parents in the process of child learning at home. The programme sensitise parents and make them realise their important role in child development. South Africa’s averages of numeracy and literacy test scores range from 30% to 35% as presented in Annual National Assessments (2011) for Grade one to six. The low language and literacy performance in South Africa is one problem that calls for action from different stakeholders. The implementing organisation train teachers to become facilitators. The facilitators will then cascade the training to parents with children aged four to eight years. This evaluation focused on addressing three evaluation questions: 1. How do teachers (facilitators) perceive the programme to have impacted on students’ literacy learning and achievement in and out of school, in terms of participation, confidence and self-esteem? 2. To what extent has the Home-School Partnership programme managed to change parents’ attitude towards child learning and improved their involvement in child learning at home? 3. What early indications are there to suggest that the Home-School Partnership programme will be sustainable after Wordworks has fully withdrawn its support? In this evaluation, a descriptive design was used. The design employed a quantitative approach to address question one as secondary data from 90 feedback reports by teachers were analysed using Microsoft excel. The data to answer the second evaluation question was gathered through interviews with six teachers and six school management members. Data from three focus group discussions with parents was used to address evaluation question three. In analysing the data, thematic analysis was used which involved the processes of open coding in generation of themes. The results of the study revealed a positive improvement of learners’ performance on various indicators that are related to child language and literacy development. Ninety percent of the 90 sampled learners showed a positive change in at least one of the several academic assessment areas. That is, 46% of learners showed some notable improvements in writing, 32% in drawing, 31% in reading and about 30% showed some improvement in vocabulary. However, these results should be interpreted with some degree of caution as the analysis was based on subjective teachers’ perceptions. Regardless of the drawbacks of the design and data collection methods, there is a growing amount of evidence from other studies to validate the findings of this study. There were some positive changes noted in parents particularly their attitude towards child learning. Parents are now more involved in child learning and have gained some important skills to support child development. However, the results need to be taken with caution as they are based on subjective perceptions of parents. There was always an increase in the number of parents who enrolled for the programme each year and more interestingly, men started enrolling for the programme in the last two years. In 2016, a total of 42 men were trained and in 2017, a total of 86 men were trained under HSP. This provides some evidence of the ability of the HSP programme to change parents’ attitude towards child learning. The HSP programme shows some signs of sustainability particularly around environmental support and organisational domains. In this regard, results of the study revealed that the HSP programme has managed to garner support from its operational environment. The programme is particularly applauded by teachers, school leadership and parents, and their appreciation is one of the indicators of sustainability. Under organisational support, the study revealed that the teachers and parents are satisfied with the timely support they are receiving from Wordworks. However, there are some gaps around programme evaluation and funding stability domains. All the schools are still fully receiving financial support from Wordworks to facilitate the HSP programme. Based on the study findings it is prudent that Wordworks prepares schools for continuity in the event that their support is withdrawn and a more robust monitoring and evaluation system needs to be put in place. It is recommended that the programme documents more success stories to showcase its relevance.
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    Evaluating the University of Cape Town's pilot discover commerce programme
    (2021) Noordien, Zayaan; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    Background First year experience (FYE) programmes are standard offerings across a number of higher education institutions (HEIs), both locally and internationally. The increase in FYE programmes has been due to the fact that many first-year university students struggle with the academic and social transition from high school to university (Anderson, Wason, & Southall, 2016; Briggs, Clark, & Hall, 2012). The Discover Commerce (DC) Programme is a FYE programme that was first implemented at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2019. The DC Programme targets all first-year students enrolled in any degree programme offered by the Faculty of Commerce. The overarching aims of the programme are: (a) to equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills to successfully transition from high school to university and thrive academically within this higher education environment, and (b) to provide students with a strong foundation for success at university and in their careers post university. The programme includes an online learning component, face-to-face group work sessions and peer mentoring. Evaluation Focus The main objectives of this evaluation were to determine: (a) whether or not the DC Programme had been designed in a way to achieve its intended outcomes, (b) to clarify whether the personal, academic and social needs of first-year students were correctly identified by the stakeholders who designed the DC Programme, and c) to use the DC's reconstructed programme theory and logic produced in the theory evaluation to inform the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework. As such, a theory evaluation and needs assessment were conducted. An M&E framework was also developed for the programme. The following questions were addressed: 1. What are the assumptions that underlie the DC Programme? 2. Is there evidence that the DC Programme's activities, outcomes and causal linkages are plausible? 3. What elements of the DC Programme theory could be modified to maximise the intended outcomes? 4. What are the personal, academic and social needs of first-year university students in a South African context? 5. What indicators, implementation and outcome measures need to be incorporated into the M&E framework for the DC Programme? Methodology The evaluator used Donaldson's (2007) five-step process for developing and assessing the programme theory. An initial programme theory was developed for the programme by engaging a purposive sample of three programme stakeholders in a structured discussion session (evaluation question 1). A plausibility assessment of the initial programme theory was conducted through an extensive literature review to address evaluation question 2. Based on the plausibility assessment findings, the evaluator was then able to make recommendations on how the programme theory could be reconstructed to improve the likelihood that the DC Programme will achieve its intended outcomes. A needs assessment was conducted by qualitatively analysing the data from a sample of 60 reflective assignments completed by first-year Commerce students who participated in the DC Programme. This needs assessment was conducted to shed light on whether the programme had correctly identified the needs and challenges of its target population. The evaluator used a modified five-stage process developed by Markiewicz and Patrick (2016) to outline the M&E framework. The evaluator used the reconstructed DC Programme theory and logic produced in the theory evaluation to inform the development of the evaluation questions, indicators, and targets for the framework (evaluation question 5). Key Evaluation Findings from the Theory Evaluation and Needs Assessment The final output of the theory evaluation was a critically reconstructed programme theory of the DC Programme (evaluation question 1). The evaluation found that the activities, outcomes and causal linkages of the programme theory were plausible (evaluation question 2). However, the literature suggests that the success of these types of programmes is dependent on the programme incorporating best practices and several design considerations. These include: a) appropriate staff recruitment, training and support; b) content and grading of assessments; c) structure and dosage of the programme; and d) quality of programme staff-student relationship (evaluation question 3). • The literature review findings indicated that the DC Programme did incorporate some of the design requirements for an effective FYE programme. For instance, content offered in the programme was aligned to best practice literature which includes problem-solving activities, collaborative group work and a reflective assignment. • In terms of the structure and dosage of the programme, the DC Programme has small class sizes for the face-to-face component and runs for a full academic year, which is in accordance with best practice literature for effective FYE programmes. • There are, however, various areas of improvement for the design of the DC Programme. According to best practice literature, students should receive written feedback on assessments and these assessments should be letter-graded to ensure that expectations for students are set at appropriately high levels. The group sessions and major assessments in the DC Programme are not letter-graded and students do not receive written feedback on tasks or assessments. • In terms of appropriate staff and recruitment, literature review findings indicate that the face-to-face component in FYE programmes are most effective when taught by academic staff. The DC Programme does not meet this design requirement as it uses third-year undergraduate students to facilitate the group sessions of the programme. • Literature review findings emphasise that ongoing professional development opportunities for FYE programme staff is a best practice for FYE programmes. In the case of the DC Programme, although programme staff undergo training before being recruited onto the programme, the programme does not have ongoing professional development opportunities for programme staff. Several key themes emerged from the needs assessment which related to the personal, academic and social needs of first-year university students (evaluation question 4). • Students reported various academic challenges and successes experienced during the first-year of university. The DC Programme has addressed these academic challenges in the programme through the online modules that provide structured academic guidance and support. • Students were also positive about the exposure to different disciplines and courses during the first-year of university. This need has been addressed by the programme as the face-to-face component of the course exposes students to different Commerce disciplines in the various group case study projects. • In addition, students reflected on their personal growth during the year. The DC Programme considered the need for students to reflect on their overall experience of university through the reflective assignment. • The needs assessment findings, however, indicated that not all of the needs of first-year university students were adequately addressed by the programme. For instance, students placed importance on social engagement with their peers. Although the DC Programme incorporates group work which is meant to facilitate student engagement, this group work is academic-focused and may not provide students with sufficient opportunities for social interaction. • Students also reported experiencing mental health challenges due to academic demands and other external factors experienced during the first-year of university. Although the DC Programme does include online modules that contain stress management strategies, it does not include specific initiatives to support students who experience mental health challenges. Recommendations The evaluation findings informed the key recommendations in this dissertation which include the following: • It is recommended that the DC Programme uses a letter-grading system for the tasks that have to be completed as part of the programme and award a final grade on completion of the course. Grading rubrics could be designed for major assignments (e.g. the reflective assignment) to help students understand what the expectations are for each assignment. These grading rubrics may also guide the instructor or the marker on how to give constructive written feedback. • It is recommended that the DC Programme appoints faculty staff to facilitate the face-to-face group discussions (if resources permit). Peer mentors could still be involved in a support capacity (i.e. to assist faculty staff during the sessions and with grading of assignments). • The DC Programme should consider providing structured professional development opportunities to programme staff. This is an essential component of successful FYE programmes. These structured development opportunities could take the form of check-in meetings before and after each of the face-to-face group sessions. These meetings could serve as a platform to share insights, strategise on how to tackle common or unique challenges encountered and develop new facilitation skills. • To increase the opportunities for social interaction and foster a sense of community amongst the groups, it is recommended that students are given an opportunity to engage and connect meaningfully with peers on a social level. Small-group social gatherings could be arranged at different points during the academic year. • It is recommended that the DC Programme strengthens its linkages with the UCT Wellness Service, and provide structured in-person guidance on how to access this service. Peer mentors could be involved in the referral and information dissemination process.
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    A formative evaluation of a vocational skills development programme
    (2017) Kelderman, Michael; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    A formative evaluation of a workplace skills programme was undertaken to examine the programme theory, implementation fidelity and the expected outcomes. The programme targets disadvantaged youth selected from rural communities and provides them with vocational development knowledge and skills to enhance their prospects for employment. The programme theory was depicted as a Logic Model from information extracted during semi-structured interviews, programme documentation and the programme websites. Data for the implementation and outcomes evaluations was derived from existing programme records. The Logic model was assessed as being reasonably plausible at inculcating the desired individual behavioural change whilst the implementation and outcomes evaluation identified deficiencies in the monitoring records that precluded any evaluatory judgement. Recommendations related to developing a robust monitoring system and a proposal for the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour questionnaire (Ajzen, 2005) to trace the antecedents to behavioural intent were raised.
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    Formative evaluation of Helderberg Association for persons with disabilities
    (2018) Bothma, Zani; Chapman, Sarah; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    Purpose The peer support programme as run by Helderberg Association for Persons with Disabilities (HAPD) uses people who have disabilities to support people with disabilities in their own community. The purpose of this formative evaluation is to explore the roles and responsibilities of peer supporters and the needs in the community. This evaluation would help HAPD explore which areas of the peer support programme could be improved. The evaluation explored the relationship between addressable and non-addressable needs, the types of disabilities and the needs identified of the people with disabilities. Exploring these relationships would allow HAPD to understand which needs they are more likely to address and which areas they could improve their support in. Problem In South Africa, community-based rehabilitation has been evaluated but there are no evaluations that focus on the roles and responsibilities of peer supporters and the relationship between the needs that are addressed. HAPD employs and assists in the training of local people with disabilities to support people within their own community, drawing from the resources already in the community. If the peer supporters’ roles and responsibilities are not well-defined to address the needs of the community, the programme would fail. The needs of the community need to be identified to understand the community and possibly addressed the needs by providing emotional support, information, and referring cases to other service providers in the community. The evaluation explores the types of disabilities identified, the needs of the people with disabilities in the community, as well as the number of needs addressed. This information would allow HAPD to have a better understanding of the variety of home visitations the peer supporter could face and would need to provide support in. Methods The evaluation used a descriptive research design, which mainly used quantitative methods to evaluate the programme. The evaluator used some qualitative methods to enhance the understanding of the programme, these methods include a focus group with peer supporters, collecting and analysing programme documents, and interviewing the chief operating officer. The evaluator explored the relationships between the types of disabilities and the needs that were identified in home visitations. The disability categories were: physical, sensory, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities. The needs categories as grouped by HAPD were: Health & Wellness and Education & Employment and Transport & Housing and Family & Social needs. Results There were 608 usable entries for home visitations; 43% had more than one home visitation, 79% had a physical disability and 39% of the needs were related to Health & Wellness, and 73% of the needs were addressable. There was a significant relationship between having an addressable need and the type of need category identified but no relationship between disability categories. Education & Employment needs and Health & Wellness needs were more likely to be addressed than any other need. Needs related to Transport & Housing and Social & Family issues were not as likely to be addressed. Conclusion The formative evaluation of HAPD has found that the roles and responsibilities are well-defined if implemented with the WCAPD. There is a need to increase the training in counselling topics and to provide counselling to the peer supporters. The importance of creating of referral network based from an asset-based community development perspective was also recommended as it provides tangible and valuable information on the capacities, skills and services available in the community. The evaluation also highlighted some areas of improvement regarding the record keeping of training material, improvement of data collection, follow-up of home visitations, and clearer categorising of needs and disabilities. HAPD can consider evaluating the mechanism of support the peer supporters provide to the community and how the associate organisations form part of this process.
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    A formative evaluation of the SAEP non-academic bridging year programme
    (2015) Mahomed, Shariefah; Boodhoo, Adiilah; Louw-Potgieter, Joha
    This dissertation reports on a formative theory-based evaluation of the non-academic component of the Bridging Year Programme (BYP) implemented by the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) working mainly in the impoverished community of Phillipi near Cape Town, South Africa. The focus of the evaluation was: (1) to extract the underlying assumptions of the non-academic component of the BYP, (2) to assess the plausibility of the underlying programme assumptions and (3) to develop an outcome monitoring framework for the non-academic component of the BYP. The Bridging Year Programme Description This programme recruits learners from poor socio-economic backgrounds who have gained a National Senior Certificate (NSC) at bachelors pass level but have not gained access to their tertiary level programmes of choice. Its aim is two-fold, (1) to assist learners to improve their NSC standard in order to gain access to their tertiary education programme of choice and (2) to provide them with personal development skills to cope with the academic and social demands of tertiary education. The assumption is that if the learners' personal development skills are enhanced their prospects of success in tertiary education and the employment market will be improved. Thus, the programme comprises an academic component and a non-academic (personal development) component. The scope of this evaluation focused specifically on the non-academic component of the BYP. Background A review of local and international bridging courses found that most students from poor socio-economic backgrounds are underprepared to cope with the social and academic workload of tertiary education, leading to high tertiary-dropout rates. A number of programme evaluations found that if students are provided with a set of non-academic (personal development) skills including planning and organising, prioritising their workload and English literacy skills, they will be better prepared to cope with the academic demands, thus improving their prospects of success at tertiary institutions.
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    A formative evaluation of the Silence The Violence programme : a school-based violence prevention programme
    (2010) Phillips, Lynn; Boodhoo, Adiilah
    This report presents the findings of a formative evaluation of the Silence The Violence (STV) programme, a school-based violence prevention initiative. The programme is implemented by an organisation known as Khulisa Services, which has service points in all nine provinces of South Africa. The main objective of the STV programme is to reduce verbal, emotional and physical violence in schools.
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    A formative evaluation of the South African Education and Environment Project Bridging Year Programme
    (2009) Boodhoo, Adiilah; Dawes, Andrew
    Many learners from disadvantaged schools struggle to obtain entrance into tertiary institutions. A Bridging Year Programme (BYP) designed by the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP) seeks to address this problem by offering intensive tuition to post-high school learners who have failed to gain sufficient points for entry into a tertiary institution. The BYP prepares those learners to re-write core National Senior Certificate (NSC) subjects and assists them in applying for entrance into a university or college. A formative evaluation was conducted to assess whether the programme is designed and implemented as intended and whether programme design and delivery takes into account evidence based practices, established in the literature for programmes of this nature. A review of programme records was undertaken, interviews were conducted with the programme manager and programme coordinator, and selfreport questionnaires were administered to course tutors and programme beneficiaries. The results of the evaluation indicate that while the programme has the necessary potential to set high standards of participation for beneficiaries and provide them with personalised attention, and while learners are generally positive about their experience, a number of limitations are evident. These include in particular: the need for better monitoring of learner compliance with their contractual obligation, improved quality assurance with regard to the teaching and learning programme, and tutor preparation and training. Recommendations for improved programme implementation, as well as monitoring of programme standards, learner participation and performance, and tutor quality are provided.