The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) has completed a two-day Capacity Building Training in Basic Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), held from 9–12 December 2025 at the Cassowary Hotel in Kiunga. The training brought together twenty-five staff members from the organisation, the majority of whom were field officers responsible for supporting, monitoring, and reporting on development initiatives across OTDF’s operational areas in the mine impact communities of Western Province.
The workshop formed part of OTDF’s broader commitment to strengthening staff capability and ensuring development programs are effectively planned, monitored, evaluated, and aligned with community needs. Given the critical role field officers play in data collection and community engagement, the training focused on building a strong practical understanding of M&E concepts and tools.
Acting Executive Manager Corporate Services (EMCS), Mr. Raphael Nali, officially opened the training and encouraged participants to fully embrace the learning opportunity. In his remarks, he highlighted the value of strengthened M&E skills to both individual professional growth and organisational performance.
“I believe in these two days you will learn many things that will add more value to the work you do for OTDF,” he said, setting a positive and motivating tone for the workshop.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Vincar Yogio from Evaluatrix Consultants, who delivered a structured and practical introduction to the core components of Monitoring and Evaluation. Participants were guided through the foundations of an M&E Framework and its importance in managing multiple community-based projects. The sessions demonstrated how a clear framework supports effective planning, progress tracking, accountability, and informed decision-making.
A key focus of the training was the Theory of Change, a tool that helps project teams clearly map how activities lead to short-term outputs and long-term development outcomes. Many participants found this particularly valuable, as it clarified how their day-to-day field activities contribute to OTDF’s broader development goals.
The workshop also covered indicators—what they are, how they are developed, and how they are used to measure progress and change. Through practical examples, participants learned how selecting appropriate indicators improves the quality and usefulness of data collected in the field. Additional sessions addressed data collection and analysis, allowing staff to discuss real challenges faced in remote locations, improve consistency in recording information, reduce errors, and better understand how field data feeds into organisational reporting and evaluation processes.
Training participant Ms. Wona Anae, Senior Human Resource Officer, shared her appreciation for the practical relevance of the training.
“I learned a lot of new things in this training, and what stood out for me is the Project Cycle, which is something I can apply in HR, especially with the GDS program that runs over a 24-month cycle. I can apply basic M&E tools here,” she said. She also noted that the training helped her better understand KPI score percentages.
Throughout the two days, participants actively engaged in discussions, group activities, and practical exercises, sharing experiences from different program areas. Many expressed that learning alongside colleagues enhanced their understanding of how M&E practices apply across OTDF’s diverse operations.
The training concluded on a positive note with the presentation of Certificates of Participation to all attendees, recognising their commitment to strengthening OTDF’s monitoring and evaluation practices. Participants expressed renewed confidence and motivation to apply their new knowledge in their daily roles.
The successful completion of this training reinforces OTDF’s commitment to continuous learning, accountability, and evidence-based development, ensuring stronger project delivery, improved data quality, and better outcomes for the communities it serves across Western Province
