FINAL REPORT : THE BASIC RURAL EDUCATION PROJECT IN GUATEMALA

This final report's time frame and methodology are not specified. The project, implemented by the Academy for Educational Development (AED), supports the Government of Guatemala's (GOG's) Basic Rural Education (BRE) Program. After a description of the aims, administration, and educational methodology of the BRE Program, AED's achievements of its contractual responsibilities are noted. In the area of planning and programming, a baseline survey of rural needs and existing NFE services was conducted, and a BRE Draft Implementation Plan was prepared. A feedback/programming system is also being developed. A Technical Advisory Council was formed and plans drawn up to train field personnel in NFE systems. In addition, strategies were developed by which institutional linkages (e.g., with UNESCO and UNICEF) can be established. Accomplishments under the instructional materials production component include training zonal coordinators in using audiovisual (AV) aids for NFE; conducting two workshops on the NFE learning process; and developing AV aids for use by field staff in such areas as pest control and health. In the area of applied communications, two manuals were produced and training was administered in communication methods and radio production techniques. NFE radio messages were broadcast over two stations. AED advised BRE staff in basic management techniques. They also prepared management reference materials such as maps to identify field personnel and activity locations and short technical notes on supervision and problem solving. BRE staff received on-the-job training in community-level planning and evaluation. As a result, community planning shifted from individual activities to small, integrated projects implemented by communities. AED also helped BRE staff to train paraprofessional community volunteers to lead village NFE programs. Appendices include a list of administrative personnel and a bibliography (XD-AAH-579-1).