Evaluation of the Alfalit adult literacy program in Bolivia

Mid-term evaluation covers the period 3/02-8/03. Literacy students in Bolivia are learning to read, write, and do basic arithmetic in about 9-10 months, studying 6 hours per week. Certain factors -- particularly the fact that many students speak an indigenous language rather than Spanish -- delay the learning process somewhat. Alfalit has successfully instilled in students the concept that literacy is not an end, but a means to increase skills, expand opportunities, and improve quality of life. Most students want to continue studying well past the basic literacy level. They are also very interested in receiving complementary technical/vocational training. As a result of participating in Alfalit courses, students" attitudes are changing to reflect increased self-esteem and confidence, recognition of the importance and value of education, a desire to grow and get ahead in the future, and improved gender relations. Students" behaviors have also begun to change in the past year. Many said they are now able to speak without fear in public, help their children with homework, encourage friends and family to study, and actively participate in their communities. It is noteworthy that the school attendance of literacy students" children is also improving. The start-up phase of any new project is always a navigation of expected and unexpected challenges, particularly for entities facing USAID policies and regulations for the first time. Alfalit has successfully managed most of these hurdles and is achieving or surpassing most project objectives. Implementing a USAID project has required Alfalit Bolivia"s transformation from a small, faith-based organization to a more modern NGO partner. This evolution has entailed organizational development and capacity building with the support of Alfalit International. The explosion of demand for Alfalit courses in the past year proves that success breeds success. Based on interview results, there is currently an unmet demand for at least 200 additional literacy centers around Bolivia. Principal recommendations are as follows: (1) Rather than try to fulfill all unmet demand, Alfalit should stop expansion efforts in the immediate term to consolidate the quality of service delivery in existing literacy centers. (2) Alfalit should build on its comparative advantage and continue to focus primarily on its central mission of nonformal adult literacy/basic education (3) While basic education was not budgeted for under the first phase of the USAID agreement, it should be included in the follow-on so that students can complete at least 8th grade. (4) Alfalit should build on its current efforts to form partnerships and strategic alliances with NGOs, municipalities, and other groups seeking complementary services (e.g., technical training, early childhood care, health care) to the greatest extent possible. (5) Alfalit has a long history as an interdenominational faith-based organization in Bolivia. Efforts should be made to continue working with traditional partners so that Alfalit is not totally dependent on USAID funding, thereby improving its prospects for future sustainability. (6) The capacity of Alfalit Bolivia should be strengthened through better planning, office systems, and administrative/financial policies and procedures. (7) Emphasis should be given to training all organizational actors, starting with facilitators (teachers). There is also need for additional promoters to ensure effective supervision. (8) If funds are available, additional teaching resources (e.g., small blackboards, basic didactic posters) should be provided to centers, as well as additional reading materials for home libraries to promote a culture of reading and to sustain literacy. (9) Although Alfalit should not develop an expertise in vocational education, it is important to provide some work-related information and technical training to students. This can be done by drawing on the expertise of individuals and groups in local communities. Additional funding, preferably approved on a multi-year basis to permit better planning, would be a sound USAID investment.