Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu, [email protected]
The Office of the President and Cabinet, in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team and various stakeholders, is set to host the inaugural Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Week from 28 July to 1 August at a hotel in Harare.
The programme is expected to boost the implementation of Government programmes being undertaken by the Second Republic under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the soon-to-be-launched NDS2.
This was said during a media briefing by the Special Advisor to the President responsible for monitoring the implementation of Government programmes, Dr. Jorum Gumbo, in Bulawayo.
The landmark event will run under the theme: Strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Towards Equitable Development for a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle Income Society by 2030.
“The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Week seeks to foster a culture of data-driven governance and citizen-centric programming in pursuit of Vision 2030. The event offers a strategic platform for knowledge and experience exchange among practitioners in developing planning, execution and reporting,” said Dr Gumbo.
He said monitoring, evaluation and learning remain pivotal in the implementation of the national development strategies NDS1 and NDS2, as well as the accompanying Governance Performance Contracting System.
Dr Gumbo said the week will feature exhibitions and conferences, with participants from both within and outside the country expected to grace the event.
“The Government of Zimbabwe therefore calls upon all stakeholders to fully participate in this milestone event, which reflects the nation’s commitment to accountability, transparency and inclusive progress towards Vision 2030. The motto of the event is Our Vision, Our Pride.”
“It will cover an exhibition on M\&E by different M\&E practitioners, stakeholders and organisations. And it’s going to draw delegates and speakers from within and outside Zimbabwe. Some will attend physically, some are going to attend virtually. It will also cover panel discussions on pertinent topics that strengthen M\&E as a practice. It’s going to cover a lot of other areas,” he said.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to officially open the week.
Dr. Gumbo said the week was crucial as Government is changing the way of doing things to improve service delivery and increase the speed of implementation of Government projects.
He stressed the need for members of the public to have a voice in the development of the nation by pointing out areas of concern so they can be addressed.
