The New Zealand Family Planning Association (FPNZ) works with the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) to implement the Kiribati Healthy Families Project. The goal of the Project is a reduction in sexually transmissible infections and unplanned pregnancies so that the people of South Tarawa and six outer islands are able to realise their sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR). The Project started in 2012 and is now mid-way through a third phase. It is fully funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manatū Aorere.
What we did
FPNZ commissioned Future Partners to undertake a mid-term review of the Project Kiribati Family Health phase 3 (2020-25). The review’s main objectives were to:
assess if the Project’s objectives are consistent with beneficiary requirements and the country’s needs
examine progress in meeting outputs and outcomes
assess overall efficiency with using resources
identify any changes needed to maximise the positive outcomes.
How we did it
During August to October 2023 the two-person Review Team (Kirsty Burnett and Dr Elisabeth Poppelwell) undertook site visits, stakeholder interviews and focus groups, and a desktop review of monitoring data and relevant reports to assess progress to date. Kirsty visited stakeholders in South and North Tarawa, interviewing over 70 individuals either in person or in groups with the Government of Kiribati, island councils, development partners, nurse trainees, youth volunteers, and church and community leaders.
To ensure independence and free-flowing discussions, while also being respectful of the Kiribati culture, the team used a local doctor to facilitate some meetings, address any logistics, and overcome language barriers. Dr Mireta Noere is also a consultant with Future Partners and her efforts allowed people to speak frankly and in -I-Kiribati.
Benefit for partners (or the client)
The MTR findings will help FPNZ and KFHA, and their stakeholders, make evidence-based improvements for the second half of phase 3 regarding the management, implementation, and achievement of activities that support capacity development, service delivery, and the enabling environment.
What the client had to say/feedback
“Kirsty and Elisabeth from Future Partners were an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team to undertake our mid-term review. Their experience in the development sector, coupled with local knowledge and an understanding of the Kiribati context made them ideal for reviewing our project and providing relevant and valuable analysis and recommendations.”
– Family Planning NZ
“We had a good experience with Future Partners while they were in Kiribati, and we’re hoping to see them showcase the great work and relationships we’ve built with the island development councils and the traditional leaders in the outer islands. We highly value the support of the Government of New Zealand through Family Planning New Zealand in supporting the provision of high quality SRHR services, information and programs to marginalised communities on the mainland and six outer islands.”
- Kiribati Family Health Association