Evaluation Report for the Anti Female Genital Mutilation Maasai (FGM) Project

Background:

The purpose of this project is to mobilize local churches in the Southern region of Kenya to advocate for the rights of Maasai girls and women with a view to stop the practice of FGM and subsequent early and forced marriages. FPFK has for many years implemented various mission and church development programs as well as social and humanitarian projects in partnership with PYM.Phase one project commenced in 2007 and is expected to phase out in 2011. This project plans to address various needs now apparent due to continued practice of FGM. Whereas the culture of the target group should be respected, there is need to address those aspects that hinder the community from realizing significant development goals such as education for the girls and women. Concern is also raised in regard to girls’ individual rights, freedoms, and preferences which are violated due to forced circumcision and marriage at a tender age.

Purpose/objective:

Mid term evaluation aimed at providing the project communities, donors and partners with an understanding of the extent of the projects’ achievements so far - about one year from its start.

The evaluation was carried out by first interviewing the National office staff and the FPFK board. The objective of these interviews was to establish whether or not the every body in responsible position to understand the project purpose and objectives and how they are involved in facilitating the achievements of the goals. The project’s Steering Committee (PSC) was also interviewed as representatives from the target AFGM project area. The scope of evaluation covered the four Maasai Districts of Loitokitok, Kajiado, Narok and TransMara.

Key findings:
1. The leadership and the staffs of FPFK understand and support the Anti Female Genital Mutilation (AFGM/EM) project activities.
2. The area of coverage is large considering the amount of community education that needs to be done before the anticipated change is achieved.
3. There is need for the stakeholders to prepare a document that describes an acceptable and sustainable ‘alternative rite of passage procedure’ for the Maasai people.
4. There is a good collaboration between the key stakeholders of the project which include the Government (chiefs), other NGOs, politicians (Counsellors and MPs) and the model community members.
5. Possible influx of girls who escape the cut and run to the church for rescue or help.
6. Much work is involved in child rights advocacy.
7. The use of media is very effective in facilitating faster change in Maasai community.

Recommendations:

Just one year from the start of the project have been achieved by over 40%. It is observed that this has been due to FPFK leadership (Boards) support and the hard working and committed project coordinator. In our opinion she has been able to facilitate team work among PSC and the KRPs. Findings are summarized below as follows:

1. (Finding no.1) is considered to be a big strength and we recommend that more FPFK leaders especially pastors need to be encouraged to provide support by first becoming models and putting AFGM activities as part of their missional mandate.

2. (Finding no.2) Based on this it is recommended that there is a need to increase both the budget and means of travel in order to enable the key resource persons to reach the communities more frequently.

3. (Finding no.3) It is recommended that this need to be done jointly by representatives from the four church centres of Kajiado, Loitokitok, Narok and TransMara.

4. (Finding no.4) We recommend that efforts should be made to strengthen this enabling associative strength in order to sustain AFGM activities even beyond the project plan period.

5. (Finding no.5) It is recommended that the church needs to establish a temporary ‘counselling, rehabilitation and resource centre’ to help the girls attend school and learn life skills that will enable them to find means of livelihood.

6. (Finding no.6) It is recommended that there is need to increase the capacity of PSC and the key resource persons – through training and exposure visits to other communities.

7. (Finding no.1) It is recommended that radio programmes need to be used in the next phase of Anti – FGM advocacy activities. This may require buying and distributing radios in strategic places within the programme area and developing effective anti-FGM programmes in partnership with the Kenya Broadcasting Service (KBC).

8. FPFK needs to consider a more inclusive strategy for ministry that is responsive to both physical and spiritual needs of the people. The strategy is called ‘church and community mobilization process (CCMP)’. A presentation on this strategy will help in facilitating a clear understanding of what it entails.

9. Based on the findings the evaluation recommends that the team leader need a part time driver and a secretary in her office. This will help her to coordinate the FGM advocacy activities effectively.

Comments from the organisation, if any:

Several of the recommendations have been taken into consideration so far (mid 2010), among these are;

· Networking among FPFK/PYM development projects is even further strengthened. Knowledge about FGM has thus increased, and training on such topics are included in other project’s activities as well

· An FGM policy document is written and is now in use in all FPFK churches and other FPFK development projects

· The project will concentrate the geographical area in year to come (2011) and apply for a second phase, in regard to focus and achieve long lasting results

· A draft Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) has been written and is being tested

· A strategy for an alternative rite of passage is to be developed and in used by 2010

· The media/ local radio stations are currently used in advocacy campaigns