Most Significant Change Training for MAMPU Partners in Ambon, Maluku

From 20 to 22 September 2016, MAMPU held a training on Most Significant Change for partners (Arika Mahina and Walang Perempuan) in Ambon, Maluku. Most Significant Change (MSC) is a method of collecting and analyzing stories about the changes that occur mainly at the level of beneficiaries. The training was attended by the staff of Partners and representatives from each village assisted by Partners.

MSC is a technique of monitoring and evaluation of qualitative participatory, using the collection and analysis of stories of change, both positive and negative. Selection of significant changes stories made by the ‘panel’ at the community level and the organisation. This technique opens a space for various parties to engage monitoring, determine the types of changes that are considered important, and analysing these changes.

The objective of this training is to enable MAMPU Partners and its assisted members: 1) to understand the MSC principles the MSC; 2) has the skills to carry out and be motivated to use MSC for monitoring and evaluation program, and; 3) to support the passing of MSC in the internal processes of the organisation.

During the training, participants were given a theoretical and practice related to MSC, and also site visit to collect data, interview and write the MSC stories.

Yan from Arika Mahina, explained about Arika Mahina’s plans, dreams and programs for assisted community. While Vera, village facilitator of Desa Adat Hatalai Ambon, wrote about the changes to be achieved in the village.

When the site visit, the participants not only interviewed the beneficiaries of the program, but also public figures who played an important role in the implementation of the program. One of them, Vera, interviewed Opa Dang, who is the traditional leaders of the Negeri Latuhalat. From the interview, Vera got a testimony from Opa Dang.

“Since the two organisations (Arika Mahina and Walang Perempuan) entered into Latuhalat, they have strengthened monitoring of the governance system in the village, and I am very grateful for that,” said Opa Dang.

Other participants, interviewed Rachel, one of program beneficiaries. Rachel mentioned the benefits she gets from her involvement in the MAMPU activities. “Now, I’m so confident. As a woman, I should be open minded, bold and have mutual support with my husband in order to have a better life.”

Reported by: Dyana Savina Hutadjulu (Innovation Officer – MAMPU Program)