As part of efforts to assess the impact of community-driven development initiatives in Ondo State, the Community and Social Development Agency (ODCSDA), a key implementing partner under the Ondo State community action resilience and economic stimulus (cares) programme, has organized an Outcome Evaluation Validation Workshop.
The workshop aimed to validate the effectiveness of projects implemented under the CARES Programme while identifying areas for improvement to enhance the sustainability and long-term benefits of the initiative.
The project which started in 2021 as a way of mitigating the impact of the outbreak of COVID 19 on people has as its focus Health, Education Water and Sanitation.
Speaking at a one-day evaluation workshop, the Permanent Secretary and General Manager, Ondo State Community and Social Development Agency, Mr Bosun Ogundipe emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in executing projects targeted at improving livelihoods and social infrastructure.
Presenting the evaluation findings, a lead consultant, Prof James Okunola highlighted the successes recorded in areas such as the provision of water and sanitation facilities, construction of classrooms, and Basic Health Centres as well as support for community-based economic activities.
Others noted that all the Projects implemented by the Agency have strengthened economic resilience and social welfare across benefiting communities.
In an interview, the State Coordinator, Ondo Cares, Mr Daisi Bamidele expressed satisfaction on projects facilitated by the Agency noting that all projects are intardem with the objectives of the Ondo CARES Programme.
Also, the operations manager Mr Olumide Igbaroola and his Monitoring and Evaluation counterpart, Mr Frederick Akinjalanu said the move became imperative in order to assess the impact of its interventions and provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review project outcomes and validate findings to enhance future implementation. Programme.
Other stakeholders applauded the Agency drive for development at the grassroots.
No fewer than 100 communities and Six Groups have benefited in over 300 micro projects across the Eighteen Local government area of Ondo State.
