Human resources development assistance project (HRDA)

The project is implemented by the Government of Lesotho (GOL) and the Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). This interim evaluation was carried out from November 16 to December 14, 1990. The purpose of the evaluation was to review the project progress to date and to make recommendations to improve the training system. The major findings were that the HRDA project has to date successfully sponsored training activities for 360 persons in the private and public sectors; and that the project is well on its way to reaching its 80% goal for private sector training and has substantially exceeded its 50% goal in the participation of women. The following was recommended. (1) Two workshops, one each for the public sector and private sector target audiences, should be organized to further clarify HRDA objectives, training activities eligible for support, guidelines for participation, and training request procedures. (2) The financial management procedure requiring payment on a cost reimbursement basis should be periodically reviewed and optional disbursement arrangements should be applied to individual organizations in support of specific training activities as deemed appropriate. (3) The Business Training Center/Institute of Extra Mural Studies should be contracted to formulate an implementation plan, and HRDA funds should be committed to support the program. A lesson learned is that projects involving extensive training should realistically assess local management capability and design project administrative support accordingly. (Author abstract)