iNdlela yeThembaFoundation · Path of hope

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Impact and learning

Evidence before adjectives.

Our measurement framework connects every rand to an activity, an output and—where the evidence allows—an observed change. At pilot stage, we publish the framework and planning figures, not invented outcomes.

Pilot stageNo verified beneficiary outcomes published yet.First-year baselines and targets will be agreed with the inaugural partner school before delivery.
How to read this page: outputs count what funding delivers; outcomes describe what changes afterwards. We will report both separately and will not attribute changes in attendance or confidence solely to a uniform without appropriate evidence.

Theory of change

From resources to participation.

The model is intentionally specific. It gives funders a clear line of sight while recognising that educational participation is shaped by many factors beyond our programme.

StageWhat we recordEvidence sourceWhat it tells a funder
InputsGrants, donations, partner time and supplier quotationsFinancial records, agreements and quotationsWhat resources made delivery possible
ActivitiesSchool scoping, selection, sizing, sourcing and handoversDelivery checklist and confidential registersWhether the agreed process was followed
OutputsLearners kitted, items supplied, schools served and cost per learnerSigned handover records and invoicesWhat was delivered, at what cost
OutcomesObserved attendance patterns, sense of readiness and household cost reliefSchool-approved aggregates and voluntary feedbackWhat changed, with limitations stated

Indicator framework

Measures with a source, owner and cadence.

Personal information remains protected. Public and funder reporting uses de-identified or aggregate data unless explicit, informed permission allows otherwise.

IndicatorMethod and evidenceFrequencyReporting status
Learners receiving a complete packageSchool and guardian handover register; reported without public identifiersEach handoverFramework ready
Package completeness and fitItem checklist and follow-up issue logEach handoverFramework ready
Cost per learnerVerified programme expenditure divided by learners receiving a complete packageEach termPlanning cost only
Programme expenditure ratioDirect programme costs versus organisational running costs in financial recordsAnnuallyFirst year pending
Attendance comparisonAggregate attendance before and after delivery, with school permission and contextual notesEach termBaseline pending
Learner and guardian experienceShort, voluntary and age-appropriate questions; no consequence for decliningAfter delivery and annuallyBaseline pending

Social return on investment

No shortcut to a credible SROI ratio.

A monetary SROI claim requires more than dividing reach by expenditure. It needs valued outcomes, baseline evidence and adjustments for what would have happened anyway, contributions from others and how long change lasts.

At pilot stage we publish planning costs; after delivery we will report actual costs and verified outputs. We will consider an independently reviewed SROI only when the evidence base is strong enough.

Current unit-cost measure
Verified programme expenditure ÷ learners receiving the complete package
This is a cost-efficiency measure—not an SROI ratio and not proof of educational impact.
  • Reach: confirmed learners, not pledges or estimates.
  • Efficiency: quoted and actual unit costs, with variances.
  • Change: observed outcomes, limitations and alternative explanations.

Reporting cadence

A useful report after every cycle.

The first report will establish the baseline. It will distinguish committed funds, actual expenditure, delivered outputs and any deviations from the agreed scope.

01 / HANDOVER

Delivery record

  • School and handover date
  • De-identified learner count
  • Package contents and sizes confirmed
  • Issues or replacements required
02 / TERMLY

Funder learning report

  • Income and expenditure reconciliation
  • Outputs against agreed targets
  • Attendance data where approved
  • Risks, lessons and corrective action
03 / ANNUALLY

Public accountability

  • Annual programme and impact report
  • Independently examined financial statements
  • Governance and registration update
  • Next-year indicators and targets

Commitments describe the intended reporting system. Reports and independently examined statements will be added to the document centre once they exist.

Start a conversation

Fund more than a handover. Fund the evidence.

Partner on a pilot with a defined baseline, clear delivery measures and a learning agenda agreed before money moves.