Life cycle health education project in Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza : mid-project evaluation (focusing on impact and institutionalization)

Interim evaluation covers the period 2/85-3/87 and is based on site visits and document review. Project activities on the West Bank have been overwhelmingly successful. The health education (HE) program is the most extensive preventive health program in the area and the only village-based child survival effort that extends through the West Bank. Two elements in particular are responsible for the project's success. First, the HE curriculum is an outstanding teaching tool which corresponds directly to the daily needs of village mothers. It has provided an excellent foundation for training village teachers and can serve as an excellent manual for village teachers to use in teaching village mothers. Regular, in-service education for the village teachers is essential, however. Second, the HE teaching methodologies are excellent; the teaching is lively, pleasant, interesting, and participatory. Unfortunately, no written record necessary for the replication of the teaching techniques exists. The instructors and field supervisors provided by the implementing PVO, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), are well trained and knowledgeable; in general, they appear conscientious and hard-working. Despite these strengths, however, the present combination of personnel is not sufficient for the task of institutionalizing the project. Other aspects of the HE program have been less successful. An advanced training curriculum for village teachers was developed but, for unknown reasons, never used. Also, although it has been recognized as important to establish on-going linkages with medical care providers, this has not been accomplished, Accomplishments in several other project areas, too, have not met expectations. HE objectives have not been achieved in Gaza and almost certainly cannot be achieved by project end. One HE class has been offered, but other anticipated activities have not been carried out nor are they planned. However, the provision of services in Gaza was a lower priority and, thus, should not be considered a major failing. Finally, there has been little progress toward institutionalizing the project, in large part because of financial and political constraints facing Palestinian organizations that were planned to take over responsibility for the project. The Union of Charitable Societies has now agreed to take on this responsibility for the northern region of the West Bank. The Union appears to have the will, though not the means, at present. Recommendations are included.