Evaluation of Complementary Reading Project (CRP) Grants Initiatives

The project is being implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and its consortium partners, with the primary objective of supporting the provincial and regional education departments in enhancing reading skills among children. The PRP has awarded Complementary Reading Project (CRP) grants to registered Pakistani non-governmental organizations under two themes: "Reading Events to Promote Parental Engagement" and "Children with Special Needs." The grants are designed to reinforce children's learning and reading skills acquisition, with a focus on promoting parental engagement and addressing the needs of children with special needs. A total of 21 schools were randomly selected from seven districts to collect data from principals, teachers, students, and parents. Interviews were also conducted with District Education Officers (DEOs) and focal persons of the grantees. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Student Evaluation, and filling Output Evaluation Checklists were employed as data collection techniques. The evaluation study assessed the effectiveness of the CRP grants based on the evaluation criteria of Relevance, Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Sustainability. The thematic focus of the awarded grants covered two broad categories: i) Reading Events to Promote Parental Engagement, and ii) Children with Special Needs (Visual Impairment). The evaluation tools were designed according to the focus of the implemented initiatives. The analysis revealed that the CRP grants have achieved significant outputs and outcomes, including the improvement of reading skills among children, increased parental engagement, and attention to children with special needs. The grants have also led to changes in the perception of parents on the school system, with many parents expressing satisfaction with the initiatives. The study also developed an advocacy index to gauge the grantees' advocacy skill level. The advocacy index score for all grantees was calculated based on the data collected from the evaluation tools. The results showed that the grantees have demonstrated a high level of advocacy skill, with an average advocacy index score of 80%. The study identified some limitations, including unforeseen circumstances during data collection in the target districts. However, these limitations were considered in the methodology section of the report to ensure the objectivity of the findings. Overall, the evaluation study has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the CRP grants in improving reading skills among children and promoting parental engagement. The study's findings have significant implications for the PRP and its stakeholders, highlighting the importance of continued support for the initiative. The PRP has made significant progress in improving reading skills among children in grades I and II throughout Pakistan. The initiative has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting parental engagement and addressing the needs of children with special needs. The study's findings have provided a framework for future evaluations and have highlighted the need for continued support for the PRP. The study's recommendations include the need for continued support for the PRP, with a focus on sustaining the gains made in improving reading skills among children. The study also recommends the development of a comprehensive advocacy strategy to promote the initiative and its outcomes. Additionally, the study suggests the need for further research on the effectiveness of the CRP grants in addressing the needs of children with special needs.