by Rodrigo Quiroz Saavedra
When I wrote this paper (only in Spanish), my intention was not merely to present a case of participatory evaluation, but to invite the reader to delve into real evaluative practice and to look closely at what it truly means to open up spaces for participation in contexts where diverse actors are involved and significant asymmetries exist among them.
I chose as a case study the “Transition to Independent Living Programme” (PTVI) in Chile, implemented by Fundación Eres, because it brings together two key features: it works with young people with intellectual disabilities — a historically marginalised group — and it proposes a social and labour inclusion approach that places self-determination and the rights of persons with disabilities at its core.
DEVICES FOR COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH, ITINERANT COLLECTIVE MAPPING, CRITICAL CARTOGRAPHIES AND PEDAGOGICAL RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY USE
The EvalParticipativa podcast continues to serve as a platform for the exchange and dissemination of knowledge and experiences among specialists and key figures in participatory evaluation, both from Latin America and other international contexts. Its purpose is to offer an integrative perspective, in which evaluative practice is interwoven with professional trajectories, personal experiences, and the territorial specificities of the interviewees.
Recognising the political nature of evaluation opens a transformative door: the possibility of turning it into a tool for democratisation. When we recognise that evaluation has a political role, we acknowledge its capacity to challenge narratives and make realities visible. It is about expanding our understanding of what constitutes valid evidence and who has the right to produce it.
Storytelling is a practice found in all cultures since the dawn of humanity. Through this medium, societies not only communicate, educate and entertain, but also preserve values, knowledge, and collective memory. While it may seem simple, storytelling is a complex art that has evolved over time, adapting to changing contexts and contemporary challenges.
Outcome Harvesting is a participatory method used to identify, formulate, analyze, and learn from the changes brought about by an intervention, especially when cause-effect relationships are complex or unknown.
We continue to share the knowledge and feelings of colleagues and friends who are leaders in participatory evaluation in Latin America and other regions as well. In these podcasts we want to give a close and human perspective, where evaluative practice is closely linked to the personal experiences, stories and territorialities of the interviewees.