Nepal Disabled and Blind Association/International Human Assistance Programs, Inc. project at the Khagendra New Life Center : a technical evaluation report

Special evaluation covers the period 8/80-8/82 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with NDBA, KNLC, International Human Assistance Program (IHAP), and USAID/N staff and with KNLC students and former students. Although good progress is being made in upgrading the KLNC, the project has made little headway in strengthening NDBA"s administrative capabilities, due to NDBA"s failure to appoint a strong chief administrative officer early on and its offhand and perfunctory approach to project administration. IHAP"s TA has generally been very effective, but recent personnel changes initiated by IHAP"s home office have led to strain between IHAP and NDBA (in contrast to the good will that existed earlier). The project has contributed significantly to KNLC"s general education program (particularly in the areas of buildings, equipment procurement, staff expansion, curriculum development, and the inculcation of long- and short-term planning ethos) and it has strengthened vocational training by providing more space, new equipment, and expanded staffing. However, a sound vocational training program with built-in monitoring has yet to be established, further policy development is needed with regard to both general and vocational training, and problems of student motivation persist. Establishment of a KNLC general health care program (including an infirmary with round-the-clock professional care) has been successful, and Nepalese funding of the program"s operating costs institutionalized; areas of weakness include preventive care and psychological counseling. Also, the medical rehabilitation program has been upgraded with the addition of a prosthetic/orthotic production unit, a physiotherapy unit, and staff training; although production of orthopedic devices has been low, the program shows promise and is planning to add surgical facilities and expand its clientele to include nonresidents. Considerable progress has also been made in establishing a social rehabilitation unit. All KNLC physical plant inputs have been completed; proper maintenance and effective use need to be ensured.