The evaluation of the Early Childhood Development Programme in Sierra Leone

The early years of life are critical for a child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. In Sierra Leone, however, the vulnerability of early childhood is such that protective measures are needed to ensure this growth. Together with local governments and communities, UNICEF is committed to assisting children in the country through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme. In this context, Lattanzio KIBS is tasked with providing an independent evaluation of the overall performance and outcomes of the ECD program.

More details

Lattanzio KIBS’ team is required to evaluate the extent to which the program has led to positive change in the living conditions of children in the country. Specifically, the evaluation analyzes the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of the ECD program in order to make recommendations on how UNICEF and the government of Sierra Leone can together further improve the initiative.

The evaluation, conducted in accordance with United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) and UNICEF guidelines, collects within its scope the districts where humanitarian interventions were implemented: Bombali, Port Loko, Moyamba, Koinadugu, Kambia, and Pujehun.

Project Impact

The evaluation results highlight how the ECD program has increasingly expanded its presence in the nation. The analysis allows to identify the Early Childhood Development Program's best practices, suggesting methodologies for UNICEF to further improve the program's effectiveness and ensure that the country's children enjoy improved living conditions during the early childhood period.