Save the Children Japan in Mongolia (Save the Children), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports (MECSS) of Mongolia, received funding from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement a three year (2015-2018) primary education project ‘Strengthening Schools to Nurture Effective School Readiness and Learning Experiences in First Grade Children of Mongolia’ in Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia. The Project covered a total of 24 schools in ger area from Chingeltei, Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh districts.

The overall goal of the end line evaluation was to review and analyse the implementation process and outcomes of the Project, with an evidence-based approach.

In particular, the study aims to

1. Evaluate the performance of the key indicators against expected outcomes under each component as stated in the project proposals as well as recommendations derived from the baseline survey;
2. Identify best practices, but also lessons and challenges faced during implementation and explore how those were overcome and addressed; and
3. Assess the impact and the change in school readiness and adaptation of first-grade children resulting from the project implementation for each of 4 component.

The evaluation covered the project target 24 schools and 10 schools which did not involve in the project in order to assess the changes and impacts of the project. In total, 504 teachers and 500 parents were included in the evaluation. In addition, a total of three focus group discussions, 38 key informant interviews and 10 case studies were conducted within the scope of evaluation. As a result, changes in perceptions, knowledge and practices and participation of both parents and teachers were assessed. Morover, Project relevance, partnership, impact and sustainability were evaluated.