Social inclusion in health and education

The objective of this methodology is to provide the tools for assessing the governance in health and education with regard to social inclusion and poverty reduction. This methodology is developed to serve as a critical accountability mechanism for variety of stakeholders, especially the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and non-state actors regarding the governance as well as to the decision makers to have the necessary information to improve the governance system.

The tool has been developed by the South East European University as part of a project to strengthen informed decision making in the Republic of Macedonia. The project has been supported by the UNDP.

• desk research
• in-depth interviews
• structured interviews of selected stakeholders and institutions
• focus group discussions
• observations

The proposed methodology on governance issues and their impact on social inclusion in the education and health sectors is built around a set of guiding questions. This set of questions is presented by sub-headings, corresponding to various governance dimensions. In light of the consultation process with relevant stakeholders, the assessment framework includes the following issues:

• Legal and policy framework
• Social inclusion and cultural adaptability of education and health services
• Accountability mechanisms
• Voice and participation
• Transparency
• Monitoring, evaluation and research
• Decentralization

The tool includes guiding questions for assessing the gender-sensitivity and pro-poor qualities of the M&E systems of the ministries.

Are service providers respectful of the culture of minorities/non-majority communities?

The framework includes very actionable indicators, including on the existence of laws and policy frameworks.

The tool includes both de jure and de facto indicators.