What is S-MAE?

A Sankofa – Made in Africa Evaluation (S-MAE) uses history and orature (oral literature including metaphors, proverbs, songs, poems, sculptures etc) for understanding the progress, successes or failures of an intervention. S-MAE can be used to evaluate or reflect on training, event, situation, process, method etc.

S-MAE evaluation is semi-structured or not structured at all, giving the evaluator room to provide as much detail without being tied to a particular structure or set of questions. It values African knowledge, including orature.

Methods of S-MAE

There are many methods of doing an S-MAE. Below are some of the methods.

Tree metaphor

A tree represents generations of families. The roots represent the past generations, the trunk represents the most immediate deceased members of the family, the branches represent the the elders, young people and children in the present generation. The small new branches represent the pregnancies and babies. The wind and floods represent the challenges while the fruits represent the successes.

To use a metaphor to evaluate, you think deeply about the training, event, situation, process or method using the metaphor and write down a point for each generation.

Proverbs

Proverbs can help us to think deeply about situations or evaluate processes or methods. It is simple. You identify at least five proverbs that are connected to the situation, process or method and interpret the proverbs. Start with the most relevant proverb.

S-MAE Record Form

What CPD event did you recently create for others or attend? What complex family or community development work did you recently accomplish? Choose a metaphor of your choice and use the form below to record your deep thinking or evaluations about either the CPD or development work.