Zee PBT
Education & Women Empowerment
Partner/Client
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL)
Sector
Education & Women Empowerment
Location
Karnataka, India
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
ZEEL supported Prashanthi Bala Mandira Trust (PBT) in Karnataka, focusing on infrastructure development and education sponsorship for girls. The evaluation of PBT’s programs was conducted by Give India and 4th Wheel Social Impact, involving 63 respondents. The evaluation used OECD/DAC criteria, providing insights into PBT’s effectiveness in enhancing girls’ education.
APPROACH
- Evaluation Focus: The evaluation during M&E centered on assessing the impact of ZEEL’s support within PBT programs, specifically targeting improvements in infrastructure, financial aid to girls, and holistic education delivery.
- Methodological Approach: A qualitative methodology aligned with OECD-DAC criteria was employed to gather stakeholder insights through interviews, focus groups, and document analysis.
- Data Collection Strategies: Primary data was collected through interviews and focus groups with various stakeholders, while secondary data sources like project documents and literature reviews complemented the analysis.
- Limitations and Challenges: Despite efforts to mitigate biases and challenges, such as social desirability bias and difficulty isolating ZEEL’s impact, the evaluation acknowledged limitations in establishing causality and measuring long-term outcomes of the impact evaluated.
INSIGHTS AND FINDINGS
- Educational Access: PBT’s schools ensure girls’ education by removing transportation barriers to offer a safe and supportive environment and promote overall well-being and empowerment for positive social impact.
- Alignment with Initiatives: PBT’s efforts aligned with existing educational initiatives in Karnataka, similar to other residential schools and scholarship opportunities. Challenges persisted in accessibility and disbursement, highlighting the need for inclusivity in education provision.
- Quality Infrastructure: PBT effectively provided quality infrastructure and holistic education. It garnered stakeholder satisfaction and positive feedback.
- Financial Support: Financial support from PBT and ZEEL enabled girls from marginalized backgrounds to access education, resulting in academic progression.
- Academic and Personal Development: Girls enrolled in PBT schools experienced development of capacity via improved academic performance, personal development, and engagement in extracurricular activities, enhancing their overall well-being.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: PBT maintained infrastructure through monitoring and repair protocols. Shifting donor perceptions towards long-term education impact was crucial. Advocating for ongoing operational support and alumni engagement strengthened financial sustainability.
RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE ADDITION
- Increase Community Engagement: Conduct comprehensive community assessments during household surveys to evaluate the cultural appropriateness of the spiritual curriculum and foster trust and support within the community to provide inclusivity for marginalized girls.
- Improve Infrastructure: Prioritize infrastructural improvements at PBT schools by installing disposal facilities, including toilets, refining classroom environments, and optimizing space utility to create a conducive learning environment for students.
- Diversify Financing Methods: Leverage diverse financing methods like government grants, international funding, and crowdfunding campaigns to accelerate infrastructural improvements for efficient allocation of resources and timely project completion.
- Alumni Engagement and Success Stories: Develop a comprehensive strategy to highlight the success stories of PBT graduates, utilizing various communication tools & channels and organizing alumni events to inspire current students and foster mentorship opportunities for further education and career advancement.
