Year 4 Quarter 3 Quarterly Report: Advancing Youth Project

The project's primary objective was to provide an alternative basic education (ABE) program, which focused on providing relevant skills training and life skills to youth. The project operated in several counties, including Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Nimba, with the goal of reaching a minimum of 10,000 youth. Progress Against Workplan The project made significant progress in implementing its workplan, despite facing challenges due to the Ebola outbreak. The project was able to re-mobilize learners and stakeholders, and classes were re-established in all sites, except for two that were previously used as Ebola holding centers. The project also conducted placement and completion testing for returning learners, but experienced lower-than-expected enrollment rates due to the Ebola outbreak and the farming and rainy seasons. Result 1: Increased Institutional Capacity to Plan, Budget, Deliver, and Measure ABE The project made progress in increasing institutional capacity, particularly in the areas of planning, budget, and budget delivery, and measurement. The project completed the Action Research process for finalizing program quality standards, which will feed into the registration and accreditation processes for ABE Service Providers. This represents a significant milestone in achieving the Ministry of Education's Operational Plan for 2014-2017. Result 2: Increased Access to Relevant Education and Life, Work, and Technical Skills Training for Youth The project increased access to relevant education and skills training for youth, particularly in the areas of ABE and technical skills training. The project conducted training for Alternative Education (ABE) facilitators and implemented the ABE progress report card process in 25 sites. The project also developed methodologies and tools for the processes and trained staff who would play a key role. Result 3: Increased Access to Sustainable Livelihood Pathways for Youth The project increased access to sustainable livelihood pathways for youth, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship and vocational training. The project conducted a Request for Applications (RFA) in May and worked with pre-approved applicants to start implementation. The project also developed an introductory course for ABE facilitators, which was jointly developed by Advancing Youth and the Stella Maris Polytechnic. Monitoring and Evaluation Activities The project conducted monitoring and evaluation activities to track progress against the workplan. The project collected data and information from sites to address challenges and conducted focus group meetings with learners and facilitators. The project also conducted a number of review meetings with individual county alliances to determine the effectiveness of the project. Operations The project operated in several counties, including Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Nimba, with the goal of reaching a minimum of 10,000 youth. The project worked with local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, to implement the ABE program. The project also conducted training for Alternative Education (ABE) facilitators and implemented the ABE progress report card process in 25 sites. Annexes The project included annexes, which provided additional information on the project's activities and progress. The annexes included information on the project's budget, personnel, and personnel development, as well as information on the project's monitoring and evaluation activities.