Lessons learned

Monitoring and Evaluation

Data collection is essential for ensuring effective adolescent programming. A comprehensive situation analysis can map diverse groups of young people according to a range of critical factors, including priority needs and poverty. Key issues of diversity include: sex, age, race, education, health, socio-economic conditions, marital status, residence, and employment status. All countries implemented a base line study, while several countries have assessed specific topics such as peer education approaches (Bangladesh); the needs of married adolescent girls regarding economic opportunities and reproductive health (Burkina Faso); and the extent and consequences of teen pregnancies (Mongolia).

Diversity

If projects want to target specific groups of adolescents, for example married adolescents, pregnant adolescent girls, or out of school youth, it requires more attention in the planning process to address their particular needs. In Jordan, the adolescents targeted in the project belong to different backgrounds, which required the implementers to pay more attention to, and focus on, specific activities. In the school-based adolescent health promotion activities implemented in Palestine the target groups were divided in two age groups (10-14 and 15-18)

Coordination

Comprehensive initiatives like this are likely to become more common if adolescent development needs are to be met effectively. The various components of programmes that involve several government sectors need to be carefully coordinated. For example, in Benin the nomination of one facilitator has generated improved collaboration between the agencies and the government. Better coordination among parties has improved the circulation of information and lessons learned. In Palestine, technology played a key role in improving communication and coordination when an e-mail group was established among the project’s partners. The Coordination Unit in Senegal serves to strengthen the collaboration between UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO and has led to greater efficiency in project implementation.