Evaluation report on the Center for Population Activities : "Training of Family Planning Managers"

Special evaluation covers the period 9/77-3/80 and is based on document review, two site visits, and interviews with trainee supervisors and with 25% of the trainees. CEFPA has trained 252 persons in 11 training events: 175 in in-country or regional Basic Management Training Programs (BMTP), the project's key program; 25 in in-country or U.S.-based Training of Trainers Programs; and 52 in U.S.-based Leadership Training Programs. Training so far has had only a limited effect. BMTP training seems little adapted to actual use, and criteria for trainee selection are in general too vague. In Mauritius, even these vague criteria were not met -- six trainees did not work in FP and seven others did not hold supervisory positions. Moreover, CEFPA's current approach will not lead to the institutionalization of the proposed Regional Training Center. There is little effective follow-up of specific programs. Nonetheless, CEFPA's experience and strengths (its strong board, dedicated staff, and good working relations with LDC agencies and Missions) should not be lost to A.I.D. Before the contract is extended, however, CEFPA should: (1) limit trainees to those with appropriate positions and available time; (2) seek to increase LDC agency commitment to the training programs and to the use of trainees' skills; (3) make training materials more country-specific; (4) include an improved needs assessment and follow-up program in the training design, question trainees on the cross-cultural adaptability of their training, and make preand post-tests of BMTP programs; (5) drop plans for the Regional Training Center in Africa and concentrate on in-country programs; (6) require host countries, whenever possible, to agree in writing to institutionalize the BMTP function; (7) gain high-level commitment to training programs; (8) have trainee supervisors and top host country staff coached on the use of trainee skills; (9) prepare specific, written phase-out timetables; (10) use consultants, not additional hired help, to provide technical assistance; (11) formalize internal training debriefings; (12) assign one person to schedule and staff training programs; and (13) improve hiring practices.