Evaluation is an effective way of checking whether or not your program is meeting its goals and mission. National Mentoring Center (USA) recommends that measurable criteria are established, a sound evaluation system is employed and plans are put in place to undertake objective data collection.

Many programs employ a third party to carry out the evaluation of the program, a sure way to guarantee an objective and technically sound process is being followed.

Completing pre and post training interviews with mentors, having mentors complete monthly reporting sheets outlining their time spent with their mentees and having a formal Exit interview process are just some of the ways to enhance the evaluation of the program. Likewise, regular mentee surveys and surveys of parents/caregivers will enhance the professionalism of your program, at the same time challenging you to improve the areas of the program signposted as in need of improvement through an effective evaluation procedure.

Having a professionally run evaluation process in place is also likely to help you obtain more donor support, as most donors are interested in how your program measures up against its listed outcomes.

If you are able to organize a post-program interview some months after the mentoring relationship has ended, this might also enhance the program. When people have had a chance to reflect on their participation in a program, they inevitably have more to share.