Client Summary

Classroom of Hope rebuilds schools destroyed by natural disasters and creates safe, sustainable learning environments for children. Their mission reflects a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a secure setting. Through innovative block classrooms made from recycled plastic and community enrichment programmes, Classroom of Hope champions education, resilience, and environmental responsibility

Challenge

Classroom of Hope needed an impact framework that linked its Theory of Change outcomes with scientifically validated measures. This required:

• Engaging stakeholders in honest, reflective dialogue
• Training local NGOs on survey administration
• Partnering with an academic institution for data interpretation
• Capturing qualitative insights from communities and local government
• Communicating findings effectively to stakeholders.

Our Approach

Giving Connect delivered its Outcomes Measurement Service, conducting a mixed-method evaluation of student wellbeing in Lombok. We partnered with Classroom of Hope and Good Neighbours Indonesia to compare perceptions of hopefulness, life satisfaction, safety, and connection to nature among students in earthquake-resilient block classrooms versus traditional classrooms.

Our team trained GNI staff to gather qualitative insights using the Most Significant Change methodology, supported by the Storytelling Evaluation Method Playbook. This storytelling initiative created spaces for collective learning and produced narratives that informed strategic improvements, strengthened marketing efforts, and deepened stakeholder engagement.

Impact & Outcomes

The University of Adelaide’s Validate Report revealed promising results:

• Life satisfaction was significantly higher among students in block classrooms, with 62% of male and 59% of female students reporting they were thriving.
• Hopefulness improved for male students in block classrooms compared to traditional settings.
• Sense of safety was stronger among male students in block classrooms, while female students reported similar levels across classroom types.
• Connection to nature remained mid-range overall, with opportunities for further improvement.

These findings, combined with powerful community stories, provide Classroom of Hope with a robust evidence base to engage partners and funders and guide future programme design.

My experience of working with Becky has been very enjoyable. I’ve learned a lot from her, especially about the Most Significant Change (MSC) process. This method is unique, because we ask the beneficiaries directly about their needs, and their response is very honest.

This approach allows us to derive very detailed and accurate data. I think it’s a very clever way of digging out the information we need.

As someone who worked directly in the field conducting interviews, the process can be very challenging, particularly in figuring out how to get people to speak openly and honestly. But despite these challenges, what I am most grateful for is the opportunity to be part of this team and process.

Satria, Community Liaison Officer, Classroom of Hope