The Laboratoire pour l’Éducation (Ed Lab) Supported by IPA Hosts Workshops with the Directorate of Pedagogy and Continuing Education (DPFC) to Strengthen Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

A photo of participants at the Ed Lab workshop on August 28-29, 2025

Evidence-based decision-making is a cornerstone of effective educational policy. In this context, the Laboratoire pour l’Éducation (Ed Lab), housed within the Directorate of Studies, Strategies, Planning, and Statistics (DESPS) of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of National Education and Literacy (MENA in French), with the technical support of Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) and the financial backing of the Jacobs Foundation, has worked to strengthen the capacities of technical departments of MENA in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL).

As part of its 2025 work plan, Ed Lab organized two key workshops with the Directorate of Pedagogy and Continuing Education (DPFC in French). These workshops aimed to reinforce the DPFC’s ability to monitor and evaluate its programs and projects, ultimately fostering better use of data for policy and program design.

On August 12, 2025, the first workshop took place at the DPFC headquarters. It focused on mapping DPFC’s programs and projects, identifying their maturity stages, involved stakeholders, and key evidence gaps. This exercise provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing initiatives, laying the foundation for more robust planning.

From August 28 to 29, 2025, a second workshop was held in Yamoussoukro, bringing together DPFC, DESPS, IPA, and additional partners to co-develop MEAL plans for two selected priority programs. These plans provided a clear roadmap for tracking progress, generating evidence, and ensuring accountability in the implementation of DPFC’s initiatives.

Together, the two workshops not only produced a detailed mapping report and MEALplans but also strengthened collaboration between MENA’s technical units and partners working toward improving the education system. By equipping the DPFC with practical monitoring and evaluation tools, this initiative contributed to a culture of learning and continuous improvement in Côte d’Ivoire’s education sector.

“IPA is proud to support the Ministry and Ed Lab in this process. Building strong monitoring and evaluation systems is essential not only for accountability but also for learning and adapting. These workshops show how evidence can be transformed into practical tools that help policymakers make better decisions for the education sector,” said Abdoul-Aziz Adama, Right-Fit Evidence and Policy Manager for IPA Francophone West Africa.

These workshops reflect the shared commitment of MENA, Ed Lab, IPA, and the Jacobs Foundation to promote evidence-informed education policies that can have a lasting impact on student learning outcomes and the broader education system in Côte d’Ivoire.