Evaluation Synthesis of Pacific ANCP Projects (2025)

The Pacific Children Program (2021–2025), funded through Australian-NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and implemented in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu, aimed to create safe, nurturing environments for children by advancing health and nutrition, child protection, climate change resilience, and child-sensitive social protection.

This synthesis study draws on four independent external evaluations to assess program achievements against OECD DAC criteria, consolidate lessons, and provide recommendations for future Pacific programming.

Projects across PNG, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Tonga improved child health and nutrition, protection, climate resilience, and social protection, with notable gains in reducing stunting, positive parenting, youth climate leadership, and inclusion of children with disabilities. Progress was uneven due to cultural barriers, weak referral systems, limited resources, and gaps in coordination and monitoring. Sustainability was strongest where approaches were embedded in government systems, though risks from financial, technical, and social challenges remain. Recommendations stress stronger community engagement, especially with male caregivers, improved training and follow-up, embedding approaches in government and social protection systems, enhanced partnerships, and more robust MEAL frameworks.