CLEAR-LAC and Luksic Foundation Conduct Evaluation Training for Civil Society Organizations in Chile
The Center for Learning on Evaluation and Results for Latin America and the Caribbean (CLEAR-LAC), an implementing partner of the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI), delivered a course on the design and evaluation of initiatives for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Chile. The course, which included seven virtual classes in May and an in-person meeting in July, was conducted in collaboration with the Luksic Foundation of Chile and the Universidad Católica Public Policy Center.
Professionals from 29 Chilean CSOs participated in the course, which introduced key concepts in how to design and evaluate CSO initiatives and use tools to achieve greater social impact. The classes were taught by Cristian Crespo, Executive Director of CLEAR-LAC, and Macarena Cea, Director of Evaluation and Development at the Luksic Foundation.
The course covered a variety of topics, including the problem tree, theory of change, design of indicators, and different types of evaluation.
Mr. Crespo emphasized the importance of developing these capabilities within various organizations. “It is not always evident in every context to utilize better design and evaluation tools,” he said. “In this regard, CLEAR-LAC aims to continue promoting a culture of evaluation—encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experiences. Ultimately, we need CSOs to incorporate tools from effective monitoring and evaluation systems to learn and use this evidence to generate a greater social impact.”
Ms. Cea highlighted the strong interest of CSOs in learning about these topics. "It is encouraging to see so many organizations committed to adopting and strengthening evidence-based decision-making methodologies,” she said. "This not only ensures the effectiveness of the solutions we propose but also enables the organizations we work with to offer relevant and meaningful responses to the challenges we seek to address.”
Gabriela Acuña, Education Coordinator at the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and a participant on the course, remarked, “All the tools provided by the course were very useful for applied work,” she said. “I particularly appreciated the practical perspective—not just the theoretical inputs that help situate oneself, which is the first and most important step in understanding where I am and which evaluation path to take, but also the ability to quickly apply these concepts to my own work and my team's daily activities.”
Another trainee, Cristina Huidobro, General Manager of the Aguas Santiago-Maipo Fund, addressed the importance of the course for CSOs. “We need to measure what we do because it helps us attract funding and demonstrate that our role is crucial in whatever area we work in,” she said. “As they say, what is not measured does not exist, and this course helps us make those projects and our organizations more relevant.”
At the end of the session, students had the opportunity to hear from professionals at Gastronomía Social and Portas Foundations, who have already implemented some of the knowledge gained on the course in their organizations. For instance, they have changed how they approach problem solving in their programs or developed new indicators more aligned with their objectives.