The challenge
The Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines (AAAEP-P) took this further, connecting scholars, alumni, and institutions in ways that fostered lasting partnerships between Australia and the Philippines. With $31 million invested over 8 years, the program was a major commitment to building skills and collaboration that matter for both nations’ futures. Sustineo was asked to take a closer look: was the program meeting the needs of scholars, alumni, and institutions? Was it relevant, inclusive, and sustainable in a rapidly changing development context?
Our approach
Evaluating a program as wide-reaching as AAAEP-P meant listening to many voices. Working closely with DFAT (program funder), Tetra Tech (program implementer), and our partners in the Philippines, we set out to understand not just the numbers, but the stories behind them. We reviewed program documents, tracer studies, and past evaluations to map the big picture. But most importantly, we sat down with people whose lives and work were touched by the program.
Through interviews and group discussions with scholars, alumni, and government officials in both Australia and the Philippines, we heard first-hand what the program meant in practice. To capture even more perspectives, we conducted surveys with a wider group of stakeholders. At every stage we applied strong ethical standards, making sure participation was informed, voluntary, and confidential. By blending hard data with lived experience, we were able to deliver insights and practical recommendations to strengthen the next iteration of the program and shape future initiatives.
Outcome
Our evaluation produced several key outputs, from an Aide Memoire and stakeholder presentation to the full Evaluation Report published on DFAT’s website. We highlighted valuable lessons and offered practical recommendations that will guide DFAT and its partners to strengthen the AAAEP-P in its final years and shape the design of its successor program, ensuring it continues to align with shared development goals.
The AAAEP-P is a big, complex initiative that connects students, alumni, institutions, and governments across two nations. To make sure our recommendations were both meaningful and practical, we set out to capture perspectives from every corner of that network. Scholars spoke about their personal growth, alumni shared how they are applying their skills at home, and government partners reflected on how the program supports national priorities. By engaging voices from all levels and using culturally sensitive, participatory methods, we provided insights that directly support program improvement and future planning.
