Solidar Suisse Ukraine "Pathways to Inclusion (PATI)" Project Mid-Term Evaluation

The mid-term evaluation assessed the Pathways to Inclusion (PATI II) project implemented by Solidar Suisse in partnership with national actors across Ukraine. The project delivers integrated support—including Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Shelter, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Protection—to vulnerable populations in Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions.

The evaluation applied a mixed-methods approach aligned with Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and OECD-DAC criteria, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, with particular attention to localisation through the role of national partners. Data collection combined desk review, household surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), supported by digital data collection tools to ensure accuracy and consistency.

A total of 150 household surveys were conducted using stratified random sampling across the three regions, ensuring representation across key vulnerability criteria, including age, gender, disability, and geographic location. Qualitative insights were gathered from stakeholders and project staff to complement quantitative findings and provide a deeper understanding of implementation dynamics.

The evaluation focused on the effectiveness of core programme components—MPCA, MHPSS, and Protection—while shelter activities were excluded as they had not yet commenced. Particular attention was given to safeguarding and protection outcomes, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV) risk mitigation, access to services, and the influence of staff capacity-building (e.g. CHS, GBV case management, and safety and security training) on programme quality.

Overall, the evaluation aimed to assess how effectively the project is reaching and supporting the most vulnerable populations, while generating practical, context-specific recommendations to strengthen service delivery, coordination, and partner-led implementation in a complex and evolving conflict setting.