Evaluation report CAFS family planning training support project for Francophone Africa

This evaluation focuses on two Francophone training courses - program management and communications. Interim evaluation covers the period 1985-6/88, and is based in part on interviews with former trainees. Overall, both courses receive high ratings, especially for their relevance to trainee needs and for the valuable field practice opportunities they provide. The communications course, however, has been criticized by former trainees with respect to lecture style, the theoretical content of certain sessions, and lack of time to fully assimilate knowledge and skills. For the management course, it has been suggested that additional time be devoted to certain subject areas. The communications course has benefited from continuity in consultants (from Johns Hopkins and the Academy for Educational Development) and CAFS staff, as well as from the detailed guidance provided in the Project Paper. CAFS now possesses the organizational structure, policies, procedures, and personnel needed to assume full responsibility for the course. The management course, however -- developed by a different combination of consultants and with far less direction from the PP -- is not yet operating at the same level. A co-trainer has not been hired, and the primary trainer needs more professional development. A system needs assessment process has not been instituted; course material, such as case studies, has not been fully developed; and development of theoretical content has been problematic. Development of the management course has also been hampered by deficiencies in public sector management training. CAFS has successfully developed the capacity to effectively provide for trainee transport, visas, lodging, meals, health coverage, field practice, and other support services, despite the considerable distance between the training site and CAFS headquarters. Communication problems with USAID's and REDSO are relatively minor. Recommendations for the communications course center on lengthening the course by at least one week, improving the training process, and giving CAFS full responsibility. For the management course, highest priority needs to be given to filling training staff vacancies and to furthering course design. A cooperative agreement with one or more A.I.D.-supported institutions to accomplish this task should be considered. Recommendations are also made for expanding the Francophone program, providing in-country follow-ups to determine the future training and TA needs of CAFS graduates, and training graduates to replicate the CAFS programs.