Background:

International Child Development Programme (ICDP) is a competence-building program in the field of psycho-social and educational care for children. It works with children’s caregivers to create a loving, caring, and guiding educational environment for children and is based on the principles of the UN convention on the Rights of the Child. ICDP was introduced to China in 2015 as a tool that could help improve communication in families and schools and guide caregivers in how to best relate to their child. To facilitate a sustainable implementation of ICDP in the country - ICDP China Development Project was started in 2020 with a planned project period of five years. The general strategy is to convey competence and expertise to individuals, organizations, universities, educational institutions, and networks of care, so that the impact of ICDP training can reach disadvantaged children and families. ICDP China Development Program’s overall developmental goal is: “To enable children, particularly vulnerable ones, to achieve their full potential through relationship with caregivers”; the project objectives are: “ICDP China has developed into a viable entity” and “Children are properly cared for by their caregivers and protected from violence, abuse and neglect”.

Purpose/objective:

The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the current situation of the project and the prospects of long-term sustainability. Project performance was assessed, and recommendations given for adjustments to be made. The evaluation will assist the recipient government, beneficiaries, and the concerned co-financing partners to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, and impact of the project.

Methodology:

This evaluation was a qualitative study consisting of literature review, individual interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participatory observation.

Key findings:

The evaluation finds that 74% of the expected target for facilitator training was achieved in 2020 and 56% of the expected target was achieved in 2021. However, the training of trainers lagged far behind due to the pandemic and the first group of trainers has not been trained until 2022. On the side of local partners, ICDP training teams have been initially established and active. Local facilitators and trainers have a high sense of involvement and commitment to ICDP. Local partners, trainers and facilitators mobilized and utilized local resources effectively. New project management style requests increasing inputs from local partners. ICDP China has acquired excellent training capabilities and provides full technical and emotional support to local partners. It also encourages local partners to be innovative based on local conditions and has been actively promoting ICDP through internet. The evaluation team also noticed that there is only a small number of trainers, and their competences are uneven. Training quality control regulations are not sufficiently clear and detailed. Data management of the project cannot reflect the project progress and the problems encountered. The project has covered a wide range of caregivers including teachers, social workers, public servants, child welfare home workers, full time housewives, self-employed persons and farmers. The evaluation finds that positive changes in trained caregivers’ perceptions and behavior have taken place. Some typical cases indicate that changes in caregivers’ interaction with children have improved the relationships between caregivers and children, and increased children's confidence and self-esteem. Current approach to caregiver recruitment made it difficult for the caregivers of the most needy, marginalized children to participate. Male participation has improved greatly, but there are still attitude and operation barriers. In terms of sustainability, ICDP China has made attempts to provide paid service and carry out marketing promotion but is still facing many challenges. Participants with different background had different considerations for sustainability, but all think it is important to seek government support and that some parents who value family education will be willing to pay.

Recommendations:

1. Further strengthen and develop cooperation with relevant government departments and institutions.
2. Compile a management manual to improve communication.
3. Strengthen regular monitoring of the project to enable timely feedback and adjustment.
4. Prioritize caregivers of marginalized children when recruiting caregivers, particularly the most needy.
5. Enhance promotion of ICDP.
6. Continue exploring sustainable strategies.

Comments from Digni/NLM:

NLM recognizes the strong local involvement and commitment from local facilitators and trainers outlined in the report. Digni/NLM and implementing partner find the 6 recommendations very relevant. A plan for follow-up will be made with all local
partners. Digni/NLM appreciates that local stakeholders value ICDP as a good method for family education and that cultural adaptation is no longer a challenge. It is also very promising that ICDP has been integrated in existing structures and practices of multiple local partners, both governmental and non-governmental. Learning aspects also include that establishing an entity such as ICDP China on the side of existing structures is a challenge, since a commercial model for financing in some cases can collide with local laws and must find other ways to obtain sustainability.