Purpose:
Research Methods International was commissioned to conduct an independent evaluation of Plan International Zimbabwe’s Country Strategy (2019–2024). The evaluation assessed the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact of the strategy in advancing children’s rights and gender equality, with a particular focus on adolescent girls and young people.

The evaluation covered four thematic areas—Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (including HIV), Inclusive Quality Education, Youth Economic Empowerment, and Transformative Child Protection—alongside cross-cutting issues such as disaster risk management, climate change, and gender equality. The primary objective was to generate evidence-based lessons and strategic recommendations to inform the development of Plan International Zimbabwe’s next Country Strategy (2024–2029).

Methodology:
A mixed-methods evaluation design was applied, combining meta-analysis of programme evaluations and research studies, assessment of the Programme Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (PMERL) system, and primary qualitative data collection through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with staff, partners, community members, and adolescents across selected programme areas. The evaluation was guided by OECD-DAC evaluation criteria.

Status:
Completed. The final evaluation report was delivered in September 2023, providing actionable recommendations and proposed strategic shifts to strengthen future programming, scale impact, and enhance evidence-based decision-making within Plan International Zimbabwe.