Integrated non-formal education

PES covers 9/82-7/85 and is based on a mid-term external evaluation based on document review, attendance at project meetings, and interviews with A.I.D. and Guatemalan personnel. Administrative problems delayed implementation for 2 years, and progress has been slow. The National Board of NFE"s Secretariat of Coordination (SOC) has not shown a capacity to spend allocated funds or produce planned results. In particular, SOC has shown weakness in programming (budget), purchasing, and personnel, weaknesses due, at least in part, to weak administrative systems and unfamiliarity with A.I.D. and GOG disbursement procedures, the latter problem compounded by an in-country economic crisis. Also, ambiguity regarding its mission has hampered the Secretariat"s role as a leader in NFE activities and as coordinator of central and regional offices (RO"s). A reduction in project operations - only two (not three) RO"s will be established - has lowered the number of beneficiaries and community projects and learning groups expected. Nonetheless, progress has been made and much enthusiasm is evident: both RO"s have developed important relationships with community leaders and other institutions; there is continuous demand for NFE services; and NFE instructional materials are being distributed in 11 of 16 targeted districts. The latter have been rated highly, but delays in their publication/distribution and questions as to their relevance for the rural poor have arisen; further study into these problems is recommended. While SOC has not fully exploited the increased capacity and interest in radio, progress is being made in this area also. The project put heavy demands on the weak administrative structure of a small, relatively new institution without paying sufficient attention to building that institutions"s administrative foundation. Although funds have been provided for the project"s direct and technical/operational needs, the administrative problems have persisted; good work in several content areas has been undermined, and progress, particularly with regard to expenditures, has been greatly delayed.