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Evaluation is a systematic examination of a project, usually once it is complete, and aims toanswer specific questions and to judge the overall value of a project. It should demonstratewhat lessons have been learnt that will improve any future actions, planning and decisionmakingassociated with projects. Evaluation uses the monitoring information alreadygathered to make judgments about how well the project is doing, ie. what works and whatneeds improvement. It will reveal how well funds have been used and what the benefits areto all those involved. It will also help you create more successful, well-managed projectsin the future.A World Bank report notes that while heavy investment is made in community projects, it hasbeen observed that most community development projects do not incorporate adequate orrigorous monitoring and evaluation (M&E). M&E for community projects is crucial in orderto:••••Provide information for decision-making and improve project management;Assess effectiveness of the interventions and demonstrate results and the extent towhich objectives have been met;Empower communities and ensure greater transparency and accountability;Increase chances for future funding.64While proper monitoring and evaluation need to take place for community projects, theapproach and tools must be adapted to suit the local contexts. Approaches for M&E incommunity projects should not be overly rigid, and must recognise diversities within thecommunity and maintain local relevance. Community projects are by their nature highlycontextualised and have specific geographic coverage and objectives; however, theM&E approaches employed should be designed so that local lessons have relevance tostakeholders globally. A sound M&E system must be established from the outset of a projectand this system should take into consideration the objectives of the project.Case of ACPM : The Museum Board continuously thought up ways and means of ensuring that the museum would beable to sustain itself after the project. The project invested in various tools that would ensure sustainability, includingthe strengthening of the Executive and Advisory Boards, boats, and Community Centre with a restaurant and seminarroom. The sustainability component was well thought-out and can be emulated by other community projects.