4. ● Understand how & why the theory of change approach is
relevant to Rotary service projects
● Hear practical examples of how Rotary members have applied
this approach
● Know where you can find more resources on designing
results-oriented service projects
● Feel excited, not intimidated, by the term theory of change!
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
6. GETTING TO IMPACT – BUILDING BLOCKS
INPUT
OUTPUT
OUTCOME
IMPACT
The resources
invested in a
project
Example:
Time, money,
training, and
materials used for
project or program
The immediate
results of a project
Example:
People trained,
materials
delivered, people
and institutions
engaged
The short-term or
intermediate
results of a project
Example:
Adoption of
systems or
practices
encouraged by
project
The positive, long-
term changes
resulting fromour
actions
Example:
Measurable
improvement that
otherwise would
not have
happened
7. Long-term change
Medium- to long-
term change
Short- to
medium-term
change
Short-term
change
Reached by goods
and services
Goods / services
Activities
Assumptions
ssumptions
Assumptions
sumptions
Assumptions
sumptions
Assumptionss
umptions
Assumptionss
sumptions
THEORY OF CHANGE
• A set of assumptions about how an
intervention leads to an intended
change and under what conditions
• An articulation/representation of our
understanding of how and why
change happens
• An explicit identification of the
implicit connection between activities
and change processes
• A way of attempting to be more
honest about complex change
processes
• Framework for understanding
program attribution vs. contribution
Timeline
9. Improved learning
outcomes
Improved learning practices
Increased computer-related
knowledge & skills
Students access computer
lab
Computer lab equipped /
rehabilitated
Equip school with computer
lab
C4L THEORY OF CHANGE
Lab has access to
reliable power supply
Equipmentis sufficient
to reach all students
Teachers providehigh
quality computer-
related teaching
practices
Studentshave
sufficient access to
computers for their
learningneeds
Strong parental
engagement in
student learning
Timeline
10. Improved learning
outcomes
Improved learning practices
Increased computer-related
knowledge & skills
Students access computer
lab
Computer lab equipped /
rehabilitated
Equip school with computer
lab
Targeted teachers
attend training
Teachers complete training
Teachers motivated to
improve teaching
practices
C4L THEORY OF CHANGE
Improved computer-related
teaching practices
Increased computer-related
knowledge and skills
Teachers reached by
training
Training delivered
Deliver training
Lab has access to
reliable power supply
Teachers providehigh
quality computer-
related teaching
practices
Studentshave
sufficient access to
computers for their
learningneeds
Strong parental
engagement in
student learning
Timeline
12. If members of the community are trained in poultry
farming, they will make enough money to look after
themselves and take their children to school.
Original projecttheory of change
13. Assumptions
• Healthy communitymembers are able and willing to farm poultry.
• There is a market for poultry and eggs.
• Farmers are financially literate.
• Schools are accessible, and capable teachers are present.
• Girls and boys are equally encouraged to attend and complete their education.
• What other assumptions mightthere be? Turn to each other and discuss for 2
minutes.
14. • Adopt a Village model: modified approach from hand-outs to hand up to
improve program results
• When assumptions are accounted for, the program enablers (like chickens and
poultry training) can be more effectively introduced
• Taking a theory of change approach helps one think through what
partners/experts are necessary to support reaching the desired results
Learning
15. Panama Digital Classrooms
Global Grant funded project
Training future teachers at the teacher training college and existing teachers in
satellite schools on new techniques in teaching with an emphasis on collaborative
learning, creative thinking and use of new technology (8 Paul Harris Interactive
Digital classrooms)helping young people in Panama to avoid the pitfalls of poverty,
create a more fulfilling future for themselves and be more productive.
M&E Framework
Aims - Go beyond just counting outputs, track changes more closely and use
elements of strategy and management.
M&E Team
Host project leads, international project lead and the cadre.
