Fiji non-formal education for development US

The SP had some outstanding achievements. NFE programs providing technical/vocational training were set up in 10 Kadavu schools and self-help projects were initiated in 27 villages or organizations in such areas as agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and handicrafts. As time went on, most of these projects were established as part of cooperatives. The positive social and economic impact of the co-ops is impressive despite setbacks caused by Hurricane Oscar (1983). Income-generating co-op projects have included kava farming (a root which is a member of the pepper family), boat building, fishing, and poultry raising. Project success rates improved during the last 2 years, due mostly to lessons learned from earlier (1980-81) TAF projects. Another factor was the SP manager"s skill in adapting projects to local resources. Greater SP success was constrained by problems in three areas: procurement/shipping; training; and cultural norms. Only 10 of the 82 villages in Kadavu can be reached by road, and although the others are accessible by sea, shipping is disrupted by reefs and bad weather; of 6 uncompleted projects, 4 are waiting for materials 4-8 months after ordering. Most of the projects were deficient in training, particularly with regard to financial management; in a few projects where training was available, the impact was notable. Also, worker motivation and project operating funds both suffered from the Fijian custom of sharing wealth. Two systems have been developed to counteract this custom: (1) making the business the responsibility of a small co-op with open membership that allows for personal gain; and (2) requiring that traditional requests for money be paid from the individual"s and not the club"s share of the profits. Other problems included conflict between village leaders and the discontinuation of a handicraft project because the goods were too difficult to market. Continued emphasis on income-generating projects - combined with training - is a key recommendation.