FRANCOPHONE SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAM

This evaluation covers the period 7/1/80-8/31/80 and is based on a site visit and interviews with Sahelian trainees and with personnel from the contractor, the Center for Research on Economic Development (CRED) of the University of Michigan. The first session of CRED"s Francophone Summer Training Program (FSTP) was impressive in its content and execution. FSTP"s relevance and usefulness were affirmed by both staff and participants. The weekly seminars were quite popular, as was, surprisingly, the English language training. It is suggested that CRED consider adding several seminars to the remaining sessions. Although trainees were at various educational levels, courses were structured to meet individual needs and abilities. FSTP instruction and materials were of top quality and it was suggested that these high standards be continued. It was also suggested that FSTP be funded for its remaining two years. A minor shortfall was the late approval of the project, which gave the Sahel nations little time to solicit program candidates. As a result, Mali was overrepresented (with six trainees) while Upper Volta and Mauratania were unable to participate. The short notice also limited the FSTP program to 10 of the 12 planned trainees. It is therefore recommended that the remaining two FSTP sessions have a more equitable distribution of trainees and that the group be enlarged to a maximum of 15 trainees. Other shortfalls were the decision by most trainees to forego planned accomodations and spend their stipend on social events instead; the FSTP Director"s inefficient use of time by helping trainees get settled; and an insufficient baggage weight allowance for trainees to carry FSTP materials home. It is recommended that CRED consider finding a French-speaking person to help trainees to get settled; that USAID and CRED brief trainees on the proper use of their stipends; and that trainee baggage allowances be increased to 66 lbs.