Assignment Name: Verification Study Through Sample Survey with Desk Review on the Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) Target 6.1 of PEDP4 Titled “Out-of-School Children (OOSC) Enrolled in Learning Centers (LCs) Under PEDP3 Are Back to School or LCs”

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Sector-6, Ministry of Planning, Government of Bangladesh

The Verification Study was undertaken to validate the achievement of Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) Target 6.1 under the Fourth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP4), funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). This study aimed to assess the transition and re-enrollment of out-of-school children who were initially brought into Learning Centers under the Third Primary Education Development Program (PEDP3).

The study focused on verifying whether children previously categorized as out-of-school were re-integrated into formal schools or Learning Centers, maintaining compliance with DLI protocols and procedures. It also evaluated learning environments, teaching methods, and institutional frameworks to ensure sustained educational outcomes. The verification process addressed both quantitative and qualitative aspects, encompassing attendance verification, learning environment assessments, and challenges faced during the transition of implementation responsibilities from Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) and Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE).

Broader objective of the assignment was to review and verify the achievements of declared DLI target – 6.1 and to check whether this DLI target is achieved according to the verification protocol (definitions, description of achievement and Sources) and relevant tools and techniques. A Result Verification Report was prepared according to the prescribed or standard verification format emphasizing all the essential elements and submitted evidence. Under the broader objectives, the major specific objectives of the proposed study were:

• To verify and evaluate the Out-of-School Children (OOSC) are enrolled maintaining the definition of the DLI target- 1;
• To review and confirm whether OOSCs under PEDP3 are back to schools or in Learning Centers appropriately maintaining proper procedures through examining the physical presence of students mentioned in the list of BNFE;
• To evaluate the present status of these OOSCs in terms of learning, timing;
• To assess learning environment in schools or LCs and also existing problem(s) & reason(s);
• To compare the targets and actual achievement of DLI target-6.1 (achieved, not achieved, partially achieved, extent to which achieved);
• To review all the submitted documents/evidences collected from BNFE and analyze with a view to compare with the field data;
• To examine whether DLI target 6.1 have been delayed to meet because of untimely financing, managerial inefficiency and also identify/analyze the reason(s) and responsible factors for such delay;
• To analyze the strengths and weaknesses and identify potential threats and challenges (SWOT analysis) towards achievement of the DLI target 1;
• To compare on-going operational procedure of the implementation of SCE program maintained by BNFE with the previous operational procedure maintained by DPE;
• To make specific recommendations based on the field findings.

Through rigorous sampling and robust methodological approaches, the study analyzed the presence and participation of 100,000 targeted students across 3,332 Learning Centers. The findings provided critical insights into achieving universal primary education in Bangladesh and ensuring that no child is left behind, aligning with national and global education objectives.

The study team from DM WATCH, acting as the Independent Verification Agency (IVA), provided the following services:

Contextual and Policy Analysis:

• Reviewed relevant documents, policies, and guidelines under PEDP3 and PEDP4 to establish the verification framework.
• Assessed the alignment of DLI 6.1 targets with national education goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4).

Design and Development of Methodological Framework:

• Designed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative tools to verify the status of OOSC.
• Developed and piloted survey tools, including questionnaires, checklists for Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and observation guides.

Sampling and Data Collection:

• Conducted a statistically representative sample survey covering 96 Learning Centers across 7 regions, using a 95% confidence level and 10% precision.
• Verified the attendance and physical presence of 653 sampled students from the original BNFE list and enumerated 2,883 students across the sampled LCs.
• Triangulated data using FGDs, KIIs with teachers, NGO officials, and parents, as well as physical observations of the learning environment.

Data Management and Quality Assurance:

• Used KoBoToolbox for digital data collection to ensure accuracy and transparency.
• Implemented quality control measures, including back-checks, daily data reviews, and supervisor oversight during fieldwork.

Analysis and Validation:

• Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data to verify compliance with DLI 6.1 protocols.
• Conducted SWOT analysis to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the implementation of the Second Chance Education Program.

Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:

• Organized validation workshops to discuss findings and gather feedback from stakeholders, including BNFE, DPE, NGOs, and community representatives.
• Presented findings on challenges, such as dropout rates, infrastructural constraints, and learning environment conditions, with actionable recommendations.

Deliverables:

• Produced a comprehensive Result Verification Report (RVR) highlighting key findings, achievements, and gaps in meeting DLI 6.1 targets.
• Delivered actionable policy recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the Second Chance Education Program under PEDP4.

Through these activities, the team ensured a robust and transparent verification process, providing actionable insights to inform future education policies and programs in Bangladesh.