Developing an Impact Assessment Framework for the SYDRC
| Sponsor: | Somali Youth Development Resource Center |
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| Sponsor Liaison: | Abdiwahab Ali | |
| Student Team: | Samantha Grahn, Kemal Rifky, Konstantinos Sarantopoulos, Lucy Winiarski | |
| Abstract: | The Somali Youth Development Resource Center (SYDRC) plays a crucial role in assisting Somali youth by helping to create opportunities and teaching healthy life habits. Through their various activities, they have a substantial impact on the greater community. However, there was no streamlined method to effectively record and report their impacts back to funders and stakeholders. To address this issue, we conducted field research, surveyed attendees, and interviewed multiple audiences to collect data. We found that co-development approaches with diverse stakeholders and a centralized reporting system were crucial to an effective reporting model. In response, we developed an impact assessment framework tailored to the needs of the SYDRC to guide them in their reporting processes. | |
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Executive Summary
Over two decades ago, the Somali Youth Development Resource Centre (SYDRC) opened its doors to assist Somali youth by helping to create more pathways of opportunity for them in the future. Through their various activities, they have a substantial impact on the greater community. However, there was no streamlined method to effectively record and report their impacts back to funders and stakeholders. To address this, we developed three objectives to guide our data collection. The first was to gather information about the experiences of the participants in SYDRC programs through surveys and field research. Next, we gained insights about the organization from staff and volunteers through interviews. Lastly, we analyzed best practices for implementing impact assessments from other stakeholders and funders through interviews. We collected 33 survey responses, observed 4 SYDRC programs, conducted 8 staff interviews, and 6 funder/stakeholder interviews.
Our data collection was robust and we were able to reach many conclusions. We found four main takeaways from our results and led us to some recommendations. Having a standardized method of collecting data within the center would make reporting processes more organized and less complicated for staff. With that, maintaining the inclusion of community voice in reporting is crucial so we recommend the SYDRC ensure public consultation in the development of programs. Also, having a clear theory of change is very beneficial for program development. We believe that creating a centralized and universal reporting system for impact assessment applicable for all programs would ensure consistency. Providing adequate training for reporting throughout the organization would make sure everyone is on the same page and can use the tools effectively. Lastly, publicizing the impact that the SYDRC has on the community through social media and advertisements is an area that can be improved upon. We recommended the SYDRC diversify and enhance the mix of advertising channels to more efficiently showcase the work they are doing.
By working side by side with the SYDRC, we accomplished a way to assess their current tools, and decided what additional tools were needed to develop an impact framework to fulfill this pressing need for their youth center in Camden.