Using Contextually Relevant Mel Approaches to Strengthen Educational Programming and Organizational Systems

Khuzama Khan, Girl Rising

This paper will examine the process of developing and using a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework to improve learning opportunities that increase awareness of the importance of girls’ education and support girls and boys in achieving their aspirations by learning to transcend traditional gender norms and developing social-emotional skills. The paper explores the impact this process has had on Girl Rising and its partnering organizations, the creation and implementation of a MEL framework that reflects the unique storytelling approach of the Girl Rising program, and how findings influence ongoing programming and organizational decision-making. The development of the MEL framework occurred against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant constant reevaluation of the programming approaches and priorities on multiple levels within the organization. The presentation will illuminate how the process of advancing education through a systematized MEL framework fosters organizational growth and contributes to high-quality, culturally relevant programming.