The Challenge of Evaluating the Impact of NGOs on the Human Capital and Life Satisfaction of Syrian Refugees in Turkey.

This article examines the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Turkey in supporting Syrian refugees, focusing specifically on how NGO projects impact refugees' human capital and life satisfaction. Based on semi-structured interviews with representatives from national, international, and Syrian-led NGOs in Istanbul, the study finds that while NGOs actively design projects addressing education, health, and psychosocial needs to enhance refugees' skills and well-being, there is a notable lack of systematic, qualitative evaluation methods to measure these projects' effects on human capital and life satisfaction. The research highlights hierarchical accountability structures that prioritize quantitative reporting to donors over beneficiary feedback, limiting comprehensive impact assessment and downward accountability. To address these challenges, the article proposes a five-step evaluation framework emphasizing clear goal-setting, mixed-methods measurement, beneficiary involvement, and transparent outcome sharing to improve project sustainability and effectiveness in refugee support.