USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Monitor, Document, Evaluate, and Learn (MODEL) Activity Quarterly Progress Report January 1- March 31, 2023 (Q2, FY 2023)

The report is submitted to USAID and outlines the progress made towards achieving the activity's objectives. The MODEL Activity aims to increase monitoring of USAID activities, ensure high-quality evaluation and research, and enhance learning, analysis, and documentation within the mission. The activity is led by ECODIT and is funded by USAID. In the second quarter of FY 2023, the activity made significant progress in achieving its objectives. The MEL training for implementing partners (IPs) was conducted, with 25 participants from 15 IPs attending the training. The training focused on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) concepts, data collection, and analysis. The participants identified a need for future trainings on data visualization and M&E software. The activity also made progress in supporting the migration of custom indicators to USAID's Development Information System (DIS). The team worked closely with the USAID Mission to identify and prioritize the indicators for migration. The migration process is ongoing, and the team is working to ensure a smooth transition. In addition, the activity conducted a conflict assessment in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The assessment aimed to identify the root causes of conflict and provide recommendations for addressing these issues. The assessment was conducted in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka and other stakeholders. The activity also made progress in enhancing learning, analysis, and documentation within the mission. The team produced a video product on USAID activities, which was shared with the USAID Mission and other stakeholders. The team also supported the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) mid-course stock-taking exercise. The activity faced some implementation challenges, including delays in procuring office space and equipment. However, the team worked closely with the USAID Mission and other stakeholders to overcome these challenges. Looking ahead, the activity plans to continue making progress in achieving its objectives. The team will focus on reviewing activity MEL plans and providing feedback for improvements, improving MEL capacity of USAID Mission staff, and developing an overall MEL capacity building strategy. The activity will also continue to support the migration of custom indicators to DIS and conduct a learning assessment on USAID civil society impact activities. The team will also produce a video product on USAID activities and support the CDCS mid-course stock-taking exercise. The activity's performance monitoring indicators show a 25% increase in the number of IPs trained in M&E concepts and a 30% increase in the number of custom indicators migrated to DIS. The activity's budget is on track, with 75% of the budget spent to date. Overall, the MODEL Activity made significant progress in the second quarter of FY 2023. The activity continues to work closely with the USAID Mission and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives and make a positive impact in Sri Lanka.