A Formative Evaluation of the Dream Toolkit component of the Be the Dream Programme

The need for positive youth development programmes is necessary in the South African context where youth struggle with many socio-economic challenges including poverty, youth unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, violent behaviour and high school dropout. These programmes aim to promote personal and interpersonal development outcomes for at-risk youth so that they can lead better purpose-driven lives. The following dissertation presents the findings of a formative evaluation conducted for the Dream Toolkit Component of the Be the Dream Programme, a PYD programme implemented by Dream Factory Foundation in Cape Town. Three evaluations were performed, namely programme theory evaluation, implementation evaluation, and short-term outcome evaluation. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods were utilised to answer the evaluation questions posed. Overall, the findings indicate that: a) the programme theory of the Dream Toolkit Programme is consistent with best practices programmes and the causal logic of the programme was deemed to be plausible; b) programme participants were highly satisfied with the programme services; c) the programme was implemented with limited fidelity; and d) majority of the learners demonstrated relatively high self-esteem and career decidedness outcome levels. While the evaluation yielded positive results, the evaluator was able to make a number of recommendations and highlight important considerations for DFF to improve the Dream Toolkit Programme. This evaluation contributes to limited research on implementation and programme theory driven evaluations in the PYD programme context.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

School of Management Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Bhebe, Brilliant

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Field, Carren

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29762

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/29762