MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING(MEL) WORKSHOP FOR THREE RELIGIOUS NETWORKS ENDS IN SUNYANI.

CSECNG, JULY 13, 2026.

Three networks of Religious Women established under the auspices of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana (CMSR-GH), with support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, have successfully completed an intensive week-long Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) workshop in Sunyani, Bono Region.

The five-day residential training, held from 6 July 2026 at the Eusbett Hotel, sought to strengthen institutional effectiveness, promote accountability in data management, and enhance the sustainability of projects undertaken by the participating congregations.

Enhancing Colaboration through Learning

The programme convened project coordinators, administrators, and other key stakeholders from ConPAHT–Talitha Kum Ghana (Consecrated Persons Against Human Trafficking), the Catholic Sisters Elderly Care Network–Ghana (CSECNG), and the Catholic Sister Communicators Network–Ghana (CASCON-GH).

The initiative was intended to provide participants with contemporary, evidence-based approaches for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on social, educational, and pastoral initiatives across dioceses and religious institutions nationwide.

In introducing the facilitator, Sr. Victoria Swanzy-Essien, SSND, described Mr. Tom Olila as a highly experienced project management expert and mentor who has deep insight and experience in all aspects of project management and other related fields.

M&E, a key tool in capacity building

During the opening session, Mr. Olila emphasized that Monitoring and Evaluation should be regarded not as a mere administrative obligation, but as an essential instrument of our religious work. He encouraged the sisters and network leaders to assess their work with accuracy and openness, ensuring that their ministries truly improve lives and uphold human dignity.

Mr. Olila also challenged participants to foster innovation and creativity in their apostolates, noting that donors often seek projects distinguished by originality and clear added value.

The workshop devoted significant attention to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks within four principal operational domains: Financial Management, Strategy, Programme Management, and Organisational Development.

Capacity-building sessions covered the development of sound M&E frameworks and logical models suited to faith-based and community-focused initiatives; effective qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques; and the use of data to inform decision-making, support institutional growth, and ensure transparent reporting to development partners.

Solution oriented discussions

A practical component featured intensive group presentations by the various networks, all structured around the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PME) framework. These exercises enabled participants to showcase real-life models, review one another’s data strategies, and align future pastoral and social programmes with internationally accepted reporting standards.

Beyond the technical sessions, the workshop also fostered the participants’ spiritual well-being. Holy Mass was celebrated throughout the programme by Rev. Fr. John Opong Baah, Spiritual Director of St. James Minor Seminary Senior High School, Sunyani.

Spiritually enriching session

Leadership and Participants of the MEL Workshop

​The successful closing of the workshop on Friday, July 10, 2026, was marked by the active participation of leadership figures across the networks, including:

Facilitator: Mr. Tom Olila, Strategic Connections

​CASCON-GH: Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ (Director); Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC (Assistant Director); Sr. Rebecca Asante, SVI (Finance Manager); Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC (Organiser/PRO).

​Talitha Kum, Ghana: Sr. Fidelia Unigwe, DC (National Coordinator); Ms. Eugenia Akoto–Mensah (Programme Manager).

​CSECNG: Sr. Victoria Suanzy-Essien, SSND (Project Manager); Sr. Immaculate Lugugia, DC (Wellness Coordinator); Sr. Mary Asumta Zaagbeb, SMI (Wellness Coordinator); Mr. Emmanuel Abedu (Administrative Assistant).

Promoting Collaboration among networks

In her vote of thanks, Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC, affirmed that the insights and skills gained during the five-day gathering had greatly strengthened the administrative and reporting capabilities of the participating networks and would further promote transparency and accountability in both their local and international reporting processes.

By: Mr. Abedu Emmanuel (Administrative Assistant, Catholic Sisters Elderly Care Network Ghana, CSECNG)