100 Days in Sri Lanka: Dan's Reflection: 100 Days in Sri Lanka

It has been a pleasure to have been working with Ocean Stars Lanka over the last three months. As I reflect now on what has been a very productive period, there are a few things I would like to say about the added-value of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and living and working in Sri Lanka.

Conducting M&E research and fieldwork has enabled Zeddy and I to be in the privileged position of taking a step-back and seeing the whole picture. I say it is a privileged position because in the 12 or so years of OST’s existence, not many, if any, have been able to get the level of insight that is achieved through an extended period of M&E.

At Meeravodai Link School

The whole process of the communities and livelihoods study has been thoroughly enriching. It was inevitable that this, as my first project of this kind (from start to finish), would encounter some difficulties. But thankfully these I have been relatively minor.

I am very proud of the quality of the data that the study has produced. I look forward to presenting to trustees and stakeholders about the findings and how they can guide OST’s work in Eastern Sri Lanka.

The most powerful takeaway from the monitoring and evaluation work is the narratives of each pre-school community. Each community has a story, some very harrowing, and now Ocean Stars has the capacity to understand these nuanced stories better, and in doing so can become increasingly informed and evidence-driven.

Interviewing Parents at Chenkalady 2 pre-school

Interviewing Parents at Chenkalady 1 pre-school

Interviewing Parents at Kanchirankuda pre-school

In terms of living and working in Sri Lanka, I have never felt foreign or unwelcome. OSL has a remarkably resilient and supportive team that has provided inspiration and motivation for our work. Whether it is Joseph (hotel owner) asking us to add coconut to any meal we are cooking, or the reassuring presence of Kristi’s (OSL driver) black tuk-tuk, or Chitra’s (OSL Office Manager’s) face-wide laugh when I ask her if she wants any parata. These reassurances mean a lot and have kept us going throughout the 100 days.

I have learnt so much professionally during the last three months. Managing a variety of projects on-the-ground in Sri Lanka has enabled me to better understand ‘what works’ in development on a local level, and the importance of dialogue. Constant dialogue between NGO staff, teachers, parents and other stakeholders is and will continue to be the most important process to ensure a smooth running of an NGO in the field.

Thinking outside Hope House 1

I have also learnt the value of being decisive. Being proactive in making decisions and finding workable solutions has been essential for us to have delivered our goals for the 100 days.

It has been amazing working with Zeddy throughout the last 100 days. She has excelled. Her perspectives on all kinds of development topics have been illuminating and it has been awesome to share my motherland with her. She has certainly made an impression on all she has met in Sri Lanka, giving many Sri Lankans a new experience of Kenyan culture through food, music and fashion. I’m very excited for what the future holds her.

Kandy Nights

We have now successfully got-the-ball-rolling in terms of M&E and impact work for Ocean Stars. My hope is that the learning from our various projects will inform future decision-making.

As this is the start, I know I will be back soon. But for now, time for Zeddy and I to go home and look forward to the next venture.

Dan

Some more pictures below: