When I started working with the Monitoring and Evaluation Department at Partner’s In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, I asked myself how M&E can contribute to providing a preferential option for the poor in health care, PIH’s mission.
I took time to learn more about M&E and reflect on this question. I found that an easy way to think of it is by using a metaphor — a tree. If PIH is a tree trunk, M&E is its roots, other programs are its branches, and the impact that PIH is making are the leaves and flowers that make our society healthy.
This year, I was happy to attend the “International PIH Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Summit” held on Feb. 22-25, 2013, in Rwinkwavu, Rwanda, where more than 20 members of PIH’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality team from six countries gathered to share insights on how to improve and use.
I was very excited to learn from colleagues from all over the world, and it was a good opportunity to share the big achievements during my fellowship year.
I had to present one of the main projects of our Monitoring and Evaluation Program, our quarterly Data Quality Assessments at health facilities. It was a great opportunity to share my experiences with the team. With my co fellow’s help in preparing the presentation and practicing before the summit, my presentation was successful!
I really love this phrase often used in the GHC community, “Once a fellow always a fellow,” because even when we are done with our fellowship year, we will always be connected to this great community. And we will also always be co fellows. I’m grateful to Global Health Corps for this opportunity, and the great model of pairing people with different backgrounds to help each other grow professionally.