Second Impact Evaluation of the Music and Social Inclusion project: Persistence of effects and new areas of impact
| Areas | : | Education and learning, Methodologies for research and evaluation of policy and programmes, Poverty and equality |
|---|---|---|
| Researcher/s in charge | : | Juan Jose Diaz |
| Execution time | : | April 2018 |
Presentation
Asociación Orquestas Infantiles y Juveniles del Perú, of Fundación Sinfonía por el Perú, conducts the Music and Social Inclusion project, an inclusive social work dedicated to the training, prevention, and recovery of vulnerable children and teenagers, especially low-income, through the instruction on music and values.
As in the first evaluation, this study evaluated three areas, personal, family, and education, along with additional indicators within these areas related to risky behaviors and education expectations. The impact evaluation methodology was experimental, with treatment and control groups randomly assigned to the intervention. The study implemented cognitive and socio-emotional development tests; and interviews with children, teenagers, and their mothers.
The second study found a catch-up in cognitive and socio-emotional development. However, early impacts on these indicators, shown in the first evaluation, have favorable effects on child development and maturity and translate into other dimensions in the lives of children and teenagers. Among the findings, there is less time devoted to caring for relatives, less time spent on housework, more time spent studying at home, and more time practicing music. In addition, there is a decrease in severe risky behaviors (such as alcohol and tobacco consumption) and teen pregnancy. Finally, the study found larger impact sizes for girls.
Recommendations:
The study provides rigorous evidence on the benefits that the Music and Social Inclusion project generates for groups in vulnerable situations, in particular for child and teenage girls.
Among key elements of the intervention that other projects and programs could emphasize, the following stand out: providing a safe coexistence space for children and teenagers; having qualified and committed instructors; encouraging teamwork that promotes coexistence and respect for the other; transmitting values and discipline; and, promoting mysticism and joy.
The Music and Social Inclusion project is a reproducible and scalable intervention. Therefore, the results from the study are valuable for similar or related projects and programs that serve children and teenagers in vulnerable situations.
