Summative Evaluation of Assuring Quality Higher Education in Sierra Leone (AQHEd-SL) SPHEIR project
Funding
Sierra Leone
2021-2022
Higher Education I Gender & Inclusion
Evaluation & Monitoring I Quality Assurance I Curriculum Development & Reform I Stakeholder Engagement I Pedagogy
Introduction
Paeradigms conducted a summative evaluation of a nationwide collaboration in Sierra Leone involving universities, policymakers, and employers. The evaluation aimed to enhance graduate qualifications and employability by strengthening higher education institutions’ capacity to deliver quality, outcome- based, and student-centered learning in alignment with national and institutional standards.
Objectives
Paeradigms successfully delivered:
A utilisation-focused summative evaluation of AQHEd-SL and SPHEIR projects, analyzing achievements, challenges, and contributions to the program.
A publication for future donors highlighting achievements and elements for follow-up projects.
Capacity development for project management, financial reporting, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).
Background
Launched in April 2018 and concluded in December 2021, the AQHEd-SL project endeavoured to augment the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Sierra Leone. The initiative targeted enhanced graduate qualifications and employability by advocating for student-centered learning that meets both institutional and national quality standards. This transformative endeavour was achieved through collaboration with seven HEIs, the Tertiary Education Commission, five local and international partners.
Approach
Paeradigms’ methodology involved:
Utilisation-focused evaluation: Emphasising the practical application of extracted findings.
Stakeholder inclusion: Taking a participatory route, integrating stakeholders to enhance the accuracy and depth of the evaluation, ensuring its actionable outcomes.
Capacity-building perspective: Treating the evaluation as an opportunity to bolster capacities, promoting stakeholder commitment, empowerment, and a sense of ownership.
Outcome
Paeradigms was brought in to:
Evaluate the overarching achievements of the AQHEd-SL and SPHEIR projects, specifically targeting their intended outcomes and contributions.
Apply a participatory evaluation methodology, ensuring deep insights and ownership.
Identify areas for follow-up funding.