Methodology

Active engagement from participants is a key element of EvaluVision. Mindful of the barriers to participants voicing their opinions, the facilitator employs strategies to lessen or remove these barriers. In certain cultures, for instance, it is not easy for a woman from a rural village to speak in front of government officials. To address this challenge, the facilitator may introduce an icebreaker activity, carefully curate seating arrangements and groupings, as well as invite participants to write their ideas on cards and to stick them on the board.

Powerful questions drive active learning. At EvaluVision workshops, participants are encouraged to ask such questions and to eflect on evaluation findings. Thus, classroom-style Powerpoint presentations are kept at a minimum. Instead, the workshops spend more time on brainstorming, giving feedback and identifying priorities.

A skilled graphic facilitator listens to the presentations of evaluators and to the discussions that ensue. The myriad ideas and concepts that were raised are then captured in a single illustrated image. During the workshop, participants have the opportunity to look at the image to understand the big picture, connect the dots, and fill the empty spaces with reflection and new ideas.

Secure full buy-in from WFP country team and stakeholders. Clarify expectations, create the workshop outline, send out invitations, secure the venue, and assign roles and responsibilities among the organizing team.

EvaluVision typically takes two workshops: one at the community level and another at the national level. Community feedback is gathered at the first workshop. This is then brought to the second workshop in order to bridge the communication gap between the local and the national levels.

The outcome of the workshop is summarized in a one-page graphic illustration. This is accompanied by a two-minute video featuring the workshop highlights. Next steps and management response are then identified.