Evaluating CLARISSA: Evidence, learning and practice

This research and evidence paper presents a synthesis of the findings from the embedded theory-based evaluation of the CLARISSA programme. It is structured around the three main impact pathways of the programme. The evaluation found that the Systemic Action Research intervention led to participating children and business owners building agency, expanding power, and driving change in systems. An innovative Social Protection intervention in Bangladesh using unconditional and universal cash transfer with case work and community support was found to have potential to reduce children’s engagement with paid work. Child-led advocacy activities in Nepal were found to be effective in influencing decision makers, especially when children used evidence they had generated themselves through Action Research. The evaluation of CLARISSA’s ways of working found that consortium partnerships are not static entities but rather ones that move and change over time and require constant relational work and input to be sustained. Finally, the synergy created through using Participatory Action Research as an implementation modality as well as an approach to Adaptive Management led to empowerment and effective complexity‑aware programming.