Evaluation Soccer Crosses Frontiers Project

Background

Norwegian Mission Alliance - Bolivia has invited consultants and professionals to carry out an evaluation of the processes for implementing the project "Soccer Crosses Frontiers", the first phase of which was executed in 2003 - 2004 and the second phase of which was started in 2005 to conclude in 2007.

The evaluation has covered the first 3 years of project execution to propose recommendations regarding adjustments and changes in the project document for the medium and long term prepared for the last two years of the project.

The Project "Soccer Crosses Frontiers" pursues the following aim: Contribute to a decrease of the indices of youth delinquency in the north sector of the city of El Alto, Bolivia, by promoting sports. The purpose is to "Develop attitudes and values among children and youth of both sexes from low-income population sectors in the target area through orientation and soccer."

Purpose/objective

It is a process evaluation developed to measure the quality in execution of a program or project and evaluate the project coverage, service level and whether the services are being used by the target population.

Methodology

The evaluation mainly considered qualitative aspects (without losing sight of management and use of the financial resources). Hence, this evaluation will not be based on statistics or quantitative data, but it rather developed qualitative instruments to measure the changes in the reality as a result of the project. The research strategy included: Review of project document and files, a field work using semi-structures interviews, workshops/interviews and in-depth interviews.

Key findings

The project is advancing positively and most likely to reach its objectives, indicators and goals.

There have been qualitative changes in the project design even though the goals and indicators are still not clear enough.

The organic structure is insufficient for full development of the activities.

The project is incorporated into the municipal plan, but the Municipal Government does not meet its commitments on time.

The promotion of soccer through championships is linked to the target group, involving a growing number of children and youth.

The trainers of the municipal football academies are hired on a temporary basis and the Municipality does not have capacity-building strategies.

4 fields have been sanded (3 MAN-B and 1 Municipality) and synthetic grass was implemented in the Cosmos Stadium, in accordance with the project objective

Recommendations

The project must be clearer and the scope of the objectives, goals and indicators must be clear.

Organise a team with a coordinator that will be in charge of project management, as well as two technicians for promoting soccer and for the infrastructure.

Organise meetings to plan and evaluate the activities two times a year, together with MAN-B and the Municipality.

Incorporate psycho-social strategies (attitudes and values) into the soccer promotion activities.

Support the municipal football academies with voluntary work of young talented persons and train them in leadership under a training program.

Standardise the project in terms of construction alternatives, with a variation of 10%
Start a participatory planning process to ensure ownership of the project and hence, sustainability.