Huguka dukore akazi kanoze performance evaluation

This formative performance evaluation of the USAID/Rwanda Huguka Dukore Akazi Kanoze (HDAK) youth workforce development activity examines effectiveness of approach and implementation and performance of implementing partners and identifies areas for improvement and adjustment. The four- member international and local evaluation team used a mixed-methods approach.

Findings are that the majority of youth find new or improved employment after the HDAK project and therefore have higher incomes now than before training. Key factors for success include high levels of Government buy-in and coordination with HDAK; support of district officials in training and post- training support; and savings and lending communities as alternatives to formal lending leading to greater self-employment opportunities and income generation. The Team found that rapid scale-up of the activity scope led to trade-offs in quality of training/service. Challenges faced include inadequate resources for follow-up with youth, understanding the curriculum, and non-standardized employment and income data. Adaptive management to address challenges is a critical and effective component of HDAK.

National-level political will is high. Coordination/collaboration with government has been successful and led to additional work ? including development of the curriculum for Level 2 of the TVET Qualifications Framework. Local IPs expressed overall satisfaction with support and communication and with budgetary constraints as a key challenge. The evaluation found that positive stakeholder perception, particularly regarding the value of the curriculum, and they agree that youth who participate benefit substantially with positive attitudes, increased access to wage-and self-employment, and increased income.

Recommendations relate to local capacity building, expanding disadvantaged youth served, government, donor and private sector coordination, and implementation improvements.