Sixty participants from ACBAR member NGOs took part in a two-day training on developing Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems under the REALIGN Project.
Strengthening MEAL Systems for Member NGOs
ACBAR conducted a two-day training on Developing Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Systems on 11–12 August 2026, bringing together 60 participants from ACBAR member NGOs.
Conducted under the Renewing Engagement in Afghanistan’s Localization through Inclusion, Growth and National Capacity (REALIGN) Project, the training focused on strengthening participants' practical understanding of MEAL and its role in improving Organisational performance, programme quality, accountability and evidence-informed decision-making.
The training was delivered with technical facilitation from the Educa Kabul Management Consultancy Services (EKMCS).
The training combined technical sessions with practical discussion and participant engagement.
From MEAL Knowledge to Practical Application
The two-day training provided participants with opportunities to explore practical approaches to developing and applying MEAL systems within their Organisations.
Through presentations, group discussions and practical exercises, participants examined how MEAL tools and processes can help Organisations track programme progress, measure results, strengthen accountability, identify learning and use evidence to inform decisions.
The sessions also provided space for participants to exchange experiences and reflect on how MEAL systems can be integrated into their Organisations and programmes.
Presenting group work Group Work
What Member NGOs Are Taking Forward
For ACBAR, the value of the training extends beyond the two-day sessions. Strengthening the MEAL capacity of member NGOs can help Organisations develop more systematic approaches to monitoring performance, documenting results, learning from implementation and using evidence to improve programme quality.
The participants' reflections highlight how the training can contribute to stronger Organisational systems and more informed decision-making.
Participant Reflection
“The training strengthened my understanding of practical MEAL tools, including PIRS and IPTT. We will apply these tools and techniques to strengthen our organisation’s monitoring and evaluation frameworks.”
Abdul Saboor Popal
M&E Associate, Union Aid (UA)
Participant Reflection
“The training will help strengthen our MEAL system by improving monitoring, data collection, analysis and reporting, while supporting evidence-based decision-making and timely corrective action.”
Sayed Hasibullah Shahidzai
Aid Trends Organisation Afghanistan (ATOA)
Participant Reflection
“I learned how to develop a standard MEAL system for an NGO. This will support our organisation to establish a sound and systematic MEAL system that contributes to quality programming and effective service delivery.”
Hamid Hadi
TLO Organisation
Supporting Stronger National NGO Systems
Strengthening the institutional capacity of national NGOs is an important part of ACBAR's broader efforts to support locally led humanitarian and development action in Afghanistan.
Through the REALIGN Project, ACBAR is providing structured and demand-driven capacity-strengthening support to member NGOs. Strengthening MEAL practices contributes to this effort by helping Organisations better understand their performance, learn from implementation, demonstrate results and use evidence to improve their work.
The two-day training brought together 60 participants from ACBAR member NGOs, creating an opportunity not only for technical learning but also for peer exchange and shared reflection on strengthening MEAL systems across the NGO sector.
Sixty participants from ACBAR member NGOs and the training facilitation team following the completion of the two-day MEAL systems training.
By investing in the MEAL capacity of its member NGOs, ACBAR is supporting Organisations to strengthen monitoring, accountability, learning and evidence-informed decision-making, contributing to stronger Organisational systems and more effective, accountable and locally led programming in Afghanistan.