Hill area education project

Audit report covers the period 3/80-6/83 and is based on document review and discussions with USAID/T and Government of Thailand (RTG) officials. Good progress has been made toward project objectives. A model nonformal education system has been developed and is being tested in 45 villages in six areas. A basic curriculum, described by one consultant as being replicable worldwide, has been formulated, and the development of teaching materials, while about a year behind schedule, is expected to be completed by project end. Overall project management has been good and internal controls over expenditures adequate. Project commodities have been properly procured and controlled, and clearly identified with the A.I.D. emblem. However, some minor problems need to be addressed. Although 65% of the implementation period has elapsed, only 41% of the project budget has been expended, and a net amount of $280,000 will probably be unexpended by project end. The project financial plan should be revised to reflect changes in planned expenditures and to include a price increase for a budget line item. No quarterly reports have been submitted by the RTG implementing agency since 7/82, and a number of reports from the contractor, Florida State University, are between a week and three months late; however, all reports have been submitted since the completion of this audit.