For World Vision International Nepal:
CREHSS conducted the mid-term assessment of the Strengthening Inclusive Education in Sarlahi District, Nepal Project (Sikai). The purpose of the mid-term review was to assess and measure the status and progress of major project components in relation to the project plan and priorities. The specific objectives were to: 1) assess progress toward achieving project objectives, with attention to the intersectionality of caste/ethnicity, gender, and disability, 2) evaluate the effectiveness of Child Rights Committees and C-Change Groups in preventing, protecting, and responding to child protection issues, particularly for most vulnerable children, including girls from excluded caste/ethnic groups and children with disabilities or learning difficulties, 3) assess the impact of COVID-19 on project components, especially on children, parents, and schools, 4) examine key indicators to measure changes since the baseline study, and 5) document lessons learned, challenges, barriers, good practices, and recommendations for the way forward. The study employed a concurrent mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative component covered 422 parents and 157 teachers/maulanas, including observations from 29 mainstream schools and 23 madrasas. Learning achievement was measured using EGRA and EGMA among 877 students. The qualitative component included 37 in-depth interviews (IDIs), 32 focus group discussions (FGDs), and 8 case stories. The study engaged various project intervention groups, including C-Change groups, CVA groups, Child Rights Committees, children with disabilities, children aged 10–15 years, parents of children with disabilities, and other stakeholders. CREHSS prepared the mid-term report and shared the key findings with the project team to inform ongoing project implementation.