Summary

This review provides findings of two independent consultants on the impact of alumni who received Australian Masters level scholarships. The alumni who took part in this review are from the agricultural sector in Kenya and the health sector in Mozambique.

Description

The Australian Government has provided scholarships to Africans since the 1960s. This independent evaluation covered the period from mid-2004 to early 2011. During most of this timeframe, the Australian Government had a modest aid program focused on nine African countries, delivered through regional and multilateral activities. The evaluation documents the impact of Australian scholarship alumni in two of these countries.

From 2010 the aid program expanded across Africa. This evaluation was undertaken to build AusAID's understanding of the impact of alumni in Africa as the number of available scholarships increased. This is consistent with a recommendation of a 2010-11 Australian National Audit Office report on AusAID's Management of Tertiary Training Assistance: "A stronger focus on monitoring scholarships alumni after they complete their studies…. would provide stronger evidence about the impact of scholarship programs." (Australian National Audit Office in Audit Report No.44 of 2010-11, p.15)

The independent reviewers summarised their findings as: "Overall, this Outcomes Evaluation concludes that, although ADS [Australian Development Scholarships] awards are given to individuals, these individuals have a demonstrable impact on the organisations and institutions to which they return. In addition, alumni have reached out beyond the boundaries of their own institutions and impacted upon policymakers at various levels of government, engaged in collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders and, arguably, influenced wider society." (Outcomes Evaluation, 2012, p.27)

The evaluation found key examples in both Kenya and Mozambique where the work of alumni has had a direct positive impact on reducing the vulnerability of the poor and on poverty reduction. Alumni have improved work practices and strengthened their institutions; they have become change agents in their workplaces and are exercising greater leadership. Female alumni become role models for other women.

• Outcomes Evaluation: In-Africa Australian Development Scholarships Management Program [PDF 222kb]
• Outcomes Evaluation: In-Africa Australian Development Scholarships Management Program [Word 126kb]

Management response

• Management Response to the Outcomes Evaluation [PDF 67kb]
• Management Response to the Outcomes Evaluation [Word 28kb]

Available: Electronic Version.

To view Portable Document Format (PDF) files you need a PDF
reader. PDF files can be viewed using a number of different software
products. Some free alternatives include:

NOTE: The Australian Government does not endorse or offer
warranties as to the suitability or safety of any of the above-listed products.
As with any software installation, care should always be taken to verify that
the software being installed is appropriate for your needs and malware-free.

To view Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) files you need either a licensed copy of Microsoft Word, or a free Word Viewer which can be downloaded from www.microsoft.com.au. Rich Text (.rtf) files can also be viewed using this software.