Mid-term evaluation of the Romania family planning project (project no. 186-0002)

The project has been implemented by the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) through subgrants to 3 Romanian NGOs: the Society for Education in Contraception and Sexuality (SECS), Family Planning Movement of Vranchea (FPMV), and Youth-for-Youth. Evaluation covers the period 1991-1/94. SECS is the largest NGO and runs 10 FP clinics, 7 of which are funded by CEDPA; FPMV runs one clinic; and Youth-for-Youth is very small and has only recently begun receiving support. The NGOs are providing high-quality services, with an adequate choice of methods, accompanied by good information on these methods. They are eager to expand their activities to include public outreach and education, which would increase the project's impact, as it currently serves a very small population. The project could nurture this potential by providing the NGOs with TA for institutional development and adding a large IEC component. Project deficiencies are related to poor management, both general and financial. Some valuable management tools, such as needs assessments and scopes of work for TA, have not been fully realized, and relationships between CEDPA and the NGOs have been unclear, and at times, troubled. Financially, the project as it stands is not sustainable and will not be sustainable in the near future. The TA in financial management has been haphazard, delayed, and of poor quality. Conflicting CEPDA and USAID policies regarding currency have led to significant problems with disbursement and monitoring of funds. In sum, the project is at a crossroads; activities need to be redefined. Funds should be set aside for a meeting among USAID, CEDPA, the subgrantees, and other potential donors.