Middle East

Middle East: External Evaluation of the USAID-funded 'Support for Local Initiative for Non-Violent Conflict Resolution' (NVCR)
External Evaluators Nora Ingdal and Hanan Boudart of the Nordic Consulting Group undertook case studies of two SFCG-Middle East projects to evaluate not just those projects but also the broader Moderate Voices Programme. The evaluation focused on assessing the relevance, sustainability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the programme and providing recommendations for strengthening future programming. Moderate Voices aimed to promote moderation, dialogue, tolerance and non-violent conflict resolution in partnership with Palestinian civil society organisations (CSOs) and to build the ability of those CSOs to advocate for citizens' interests according to democratic and participatory principles.

The objectives of the NVCR project included:

• Strengthen administrative and financial skills and capacities of Palestinian CSOs to implement non-violent conflict resolution oriented projects;
• Create relevant and strategic partnerships between CSOs to more effectively implement NVCR projects;
• Increase technical skill level of Palestinian CSOs to create conflict resolution messages, encourage socially responsible journalism, empower civil society and teach conflict resolution and non-violence skills;
• Increase citizen, particularly youth, participation in NVCR projects in order to foster the use of democratic principles and conflict resolution skills.

Key findings included:

• Both case study projects were implemented on time and in accordance with objectives.
• The two projects serve as important contributions to the overall objective and indirectly work "to promote moderation, dialogue, tolerance and non-violent conflict resolution and reduce incitement by working with Palestinian Civil Society organizations."
• More than half of the programme's funds have financed drama series in radio and television, which are positive tools to promote civic education and address social and political issues.
• SFCG-ME could be even more effective with greater visibility, for instance through dissemination of more information about SFCG's missions in other parts of the world.

For the Student Government Project:

• More than 500 students were trained and mobilized as direct beneficiaries, and several thousand students were indirect beneficiaries.
• The grants seem to have generated positive knowledge, attitude, and skills changes. For example, significant differences were observed between students exposed to project activities and peers in the following areas: self-esteem and confidence; ability and courage to express opinions; problem-solving skills; mediation and conflict resolution skills; ability to discuss and have a dialogue with those of dissenting views, including with those in positions of authority; and ability to plan and budget for activities.

For the TV Drama , Mazah fi Jad (Seriously Joking):

• A unique and highly ambitious Palestinian drama series was completed on time and according to plan, addressing controversial issues of marriage, tradition versus modernity in family affairs, high unemployment, nepotism and corruption, and emigration.
• Local capacity for TV programming was increased through the training for the TV drama series.