A two-day monitoring and evaluation workshop jointly organised by the Australian Humanitarian Partners (AHP) and Monitoring Evaluation, Research, Learning and Innovation (MERLI) Technical Support Shared Services under the leadership of Adventists Development & Risk Agency (ADRA) Fiji was conducted at the Holiday Inn on the 27th and 28th of July 2020.
The main objective of the workshop was to build the capacities of the Australian Humanitarian Partners (AHP) Monitoring Evaluation Research Learning and Innovation (MERLI) focal points. The workshop focused on identifying monitoring approaches, review indicators and tools for post distribution to ensure that the monitoring phase encompasses gender inclusivity and protection of the holistically mainstreaming of the Cash Voucher Assistance, WASH and Food Security programmes that the AHP partners are implementing.
Acting Director Poverty Monitoring Unit – Mrs. Mereoni Tuimuru while opening the workshop applauded ADRA Fiji, for providing the opportunity to build the capacity of their local partners in Monitoring and Evaluation.
“In order for humanitarian organisations to support the best practices of Government’s Poverty Alleviation Programmes, strong frameworks are required for any social protection interventions. This includes the Cash and Voucher Assistance which aims to reduce poverty and address the socio-economic development needs of ordinary Fijians – which is an area championed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation,” Mrs Tuimuru said.
She added that such technical capacities complement the implementation of national poverty reduction policies and programmes through Government’s Integrated National Poverty Eradication Programme (INPEP) Framework.
ADRA Fiji is a local CSO operating in Fiji since 1985, and focuses on working with people living in poverty and distress to create just and positive changes through empowering partnerships. Currently, there are six projects implemented by the AHP in Fiji - Disaster Ready, Safe N Ready, COVID 19 Activation 1 & 2, TC Harold Response and Strengthening Coordination and Communication at Sub National Level.
The workshop was attended by twenty three MERLI Focal Point officers from Fiji Council of Social Services, Partners in Community Development Fiji, Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Save the Children Fiji, Rainbow Pride Federation, AVI, Live and Learn, Field Ready, Empower Pacific, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Fiji Council of Churches, Methodist Church of Fiji, Caritas, Anglican Church, Olu Fou, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Baptist Church and ADRA Fiji.