Evaluation of training strategy : RHUDO/Caribbean

The program was initiated in 1987 to improve RHUDO"s training capacity and provide more effective assistance on shelter and urban development issues to countries in the region. In the nearly 3 years since the RNTP was formalized as an important RHUDO function, it has carried out numerous activities to assist the 17 countries that RHUDO covers -- providing opportunities for training to housing and urban development professionals and promoting information exchange throughout the region. The RNTP is well designed and structured to support and promote RHUDO program and policy goals. It has met many of its targets, and its overall impact at the policy and technical levels of regional shelter and urban development professionals and institutions has been positive. Moreover, the RNTP has been effective in establishing dialogue in the region (including with the Regional Development Office/Caribbean); as a result, opportunities for training have emerged. However, the RNTP has been unable to provide training support for specific A.I.D. projects in the region. Nor has it helped A.I.D. Missions to incorporate shelter and urban development interests into their strategies and training plans. Moreover, since the RNTP is RHUDO"s only public presence in many Caribbean countries, RHUDO is regarded by many as a networking and training promoter, and not as a provider of TA or project loans. In sum, while the RNTP is an effective set of activities, it nevertheless lacks genuine integration into RHUDO"s overall program. A major recommendation is that RHUDO clarify its policy agenda for the region and integrate RNTP activities into that agenda. It is also recommended that the RNTP: strongly support the Caribbean Shelter Network in a way that makes the latter independent of A.I.D.; focus training more directly on country- identified needs; and strengthen its ties to A.I.D. Missions in the region, as well as to other donors, especially the UN Habitat and its networking activities.