Episode 4: Where the Work Happens - MEL on the Ground in the Pacific

Isabelle Petri, Jevilene Leleisiuao-Fruean and Palatasa Havea share candid reflections on the successes, lessons, and challenges of practicing MEL in real-life Pacific contexts. From building trust with communities, leaders and colleagues to juggling donor expectations, and from rural settings to urban centres to Board rooms, this episode takes us into the heart of where the work happens. This podcast was made possible through SPC’s Funding with Intent initiative, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.    Please provide us feedback here: https://forms.office.com/r/yHK0eDhrex     Guests:  Isabelle Petri – Economic Reintegration Coordinator for Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program A development professional with extensive experience across Vanuatu and the Pacific, Isabelle has led programs in gender equality, education, economic empowerment, WASH, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and civic rights. Jevilene Leleisiuao-Fruean – MEL Officer (Climate Finance Unit), SPC  A Pacific MEL practitioner who is passionate about contributing to strengthening the resilience of Pacific countries. In her current role, she supports governments, communities, and partners by providing her MEL expertise that help unlock climate finance and ensure projects are delivering meaningful outcomes for our Pacific people.  Palatasa Havea – M&E Officer, Talitha Project (Tonga) A passionate advocate for youths and gender equality, he strives to equip the youth of Tonga to discovering the purpose resilience in an era where the young are leading Just movements and calling for change across the world.  Tasa currently serves as a M&E officer at the Talitha Project in the Kingdom of Tonga.