Request for the Proposal for the final evaluation of School Mental Health Program (SMHP) 2022-2025, funded by FELM

Published Date: 4th April

The Centre for Mental Health and Counselling-Nepal (CMC-Nepal), is a national level non-governmental organization (NGO) established in May 2003 and is dedicated to enhance quality mental health and psychosocial services (MHPSS) in Nepal. It works on prevention, promotion and curative aspect of mental health through various programs in collaboration with the government and non-government agencies, nationally and at local level. 

CMC-Nepal, as an NGO working in mental health and psychosocial field, is inviting a proposal from the registered institution or organization to conduct project evaluation of the project called ‘School Mental Health Program 2022-2025’ implemented in Kalikot and Jajarkot districts in funding support of Felm, Finland. 

Project Background:

A study in Nepal found that 14.78% of children experienced emotional and behavioral issues, varying by age and gender (Mahat, 2007). Despite this, there were no intervention-based research programs in place. To address this gap, the School Mental Health Programme (SMHP) was launched in 2005 with funding support from FELM to help the Government of Nepal develop a school-based psychosocial well-being model at the primary level. Now in its 6th phase, SMHP is implemented in Kalikot and Jajarkot districts, aiming to enhance quality learning by promoting the psychosocial well-being of school-going children and adolescents.

The program focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environment through three key intervention approaches: promotional, preventive, and curative. Promotional activities include classroom-based psychosocial support, parental psychoeducation, child club empowerment, and regular engagement with School Management Committees (SMC/PTA). Preventive interventions focus on early identification of emotional, behavioral, learning, and developmental issues, followed by psychosocial counseling. Curative interventions strengthen mental health and psychosocial services at government health facilities by building the capacity of health workers. From 2022-2025, the program also incorporated earthquake response efforts such as psychological first aid (PFA), tele and face-to-face counseling, and support for teachers, children, and parents.

Purpose of the Evaluation: 

The main purpose of the evaluation is:

Assess the efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability of the project and also determine the relevance and fulfillment of objectives, and accumulate information that is credible and useful, enabling to provide lessons and recommendation as to any improvements in coming phase (2026-2029) project proposal.  

Focus of the Evaluation

The scope of the assignment includes all the necessary actions required to obtain information that will exhibit the achievements (results and impacts) of the project. The scope of the final evaluation should meet the following requirements:

• Effectiveness: To which degree did the activities meet the objectives and results set out in the project (as outlined in the result-based matrix 2022-2025)?
• Relevance: Was the project designed in a way that is relevant to reach its goals?
• Efficiency: Was the project run in an efficient way?
• Sustainability: Are the results achieved so far sustainable?
• Value for money: Has the project achieved its intended objectives at reasonable cost?
• Internal coherence: Were the result indicators and their means of verification adequate? What possible adjustments would the consultants recommend?
• Gender mainstreaming: To which extent did the project succeed in including a gender perspective?
• Impact and spillover: Were there any unforeseen positive/negative effects of the activities and unintended results?
• Synergies: to which extent were synergies achieved with other activities, as well as with local/international policies and donor policies?
• Identify lessons learned and provide recommendations

The details ToR is given in the link (Terms of Reference_ please find it here) 

The Evaluation Team is expected to:

• Be composed of a team leader with documented extensive experience on similar evaluations, preference will be given to those who have conducted evaluation of mental health and psychosocial projects. 
• Have strong understanding and coherence with OECD evaluation principle
• Have sound knowledge of evaluation and data-collection methods
• Have extensive experience in conducting external evaluations in the context of non-discrimination and human rights, and a proven record delivering professional results
• Be able to communicate effectively in Nepali and English
• Have process management skills, such as facilitation skills

Interested organizations meeting the requirements are requested to send their proposal with details of methodology and other requirements (including budget) included in the Terms of Reference to the following address in a sealed envelope not later than 10th April 2025.

Only short-listed organizations will be invited for an interview. All the rights for selection of organizations are reserved by CMC-Nepal. 

Contact details for proposal submission:

Executive Director

CMC-Nepal

PO Box Number 5295

Kathmandu, Nepal