FY20 Q2 Performance Report: Capacity Building Activity

The program is implemented by Chemonics International Inc. and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Contract/Agreement Number AID-306-C-17-00005. The primary implementing partner is the Afghanistan Ministry of Education (MOE), with geographic coverage spanning central Afghanistan and several provinces, including Badghis, Balkh, Bamyan, Kandahar, and Paktia. The Capacity Building Activity aims to improve the management and oversight of education in Afghanistan. Key activities include the development and implementation of an Education Management Information System (EMIS), teacher recruitment and training, payroll system enhancements, internal audit, resource planning, and civil society organization (CSO) oversight. The program also focuses on cross-cutting activities such as gender inclusion and grants management. During the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 (January 1 - March 31, 2020), significant progress was made in various areas. The EMIS database and interface enhancements were completed, and data verification and quality assessment were conducted. Intermediate-level data analysis training was also provided to education officials. In addition, workforce planning policy and guideline training was conducted for teacher recruitment, and digitization of employee records was completed. The payroll system enhancements continued, with tax identification numbers generated at the sub-national level, electronic fund transfer awareness campaigns and training conducted, and payroll quality assurance programs implemented. The internal audit function was also established, with a quality assurance unit established and audit committee support provided. Resource planning, allocation, and execution were also supported, with output-based budgeting and leveraging internal resources to build resiliency. CSO oversight activities continued, with EMIS data verification conducted by CSOs and CEMs, and public awareness messages disseminated. Cross-cutting activities, including gender inclusion and grants management, were also implemented. Despite challenges, including security concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and administrative issues, the program remains on track to achieve its objectives. The Capacity Building Activity has made significant progress in improving education management and oversight in Afghanistan. The program's focus on EMIS development, teacher recruitment and training, payroll system enhancements, and CSO oversight has contributed to improved education outcomes. The program's commitment to gender inclusion and grants management has also helped to promote a more equitable and sustainable education system.