Children and Young People (14-24) Impact Evaluation

Based on figures at the time of the evaluation and subject to verification.

The Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations Evaluation Team at Queens University, Belfast was commissioned to carry out a longitudinal impact evaluation of Specific Objective 2.1 Children and Young People 14-24 to assess the effectiveness and impact of the investment, informing the remainder of the Programme and future programming periods, including PEACEPLUS. 

A mixed method approach examined primary and secondary data, including performance monitoring data, a participant profile survey, longitudinal surveys completed at pre-intervention, mid-intervention and post-intervention, an early exit survey, a review of the Young Life and Times Survey datasets, and a series of three focus groups with key project personnel. The evaluation assessed the impact of the interventions at three stages of implementation, reporting in 2018, 2020 and 2022. All three reports and executive summaries can be accessed below. 

The final impact evaluation in 2022 considers did the projects achieve what they set out to achieve and the difference this has made. It also outlines challenges that impacted project implementation and delivery, project sustainability, and the development of participants. Recommendations for future projects and evaluations are also made. 

"There is undeniable evidence that funded projects have positively impacted the lives of participating young people for the better. In line with the Programme-level theory of change, through participation in purposefully designed projects, young people developed capabilities in three Programme outcome areas of Good Relations, Personal Development, and Citizenship." Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations Evaluation Team, Queen University, Belfast