Operation friendship evaluation

Special evaluation covers the period 8/79-9/83, and is based on review of documents and trainee questionnaires and on interviews with OpF, USAID/J, and other concerned personnel. Despite serious setbacks in construction and the purchase of equipment and materials, project achievements have been significant. OpF now has the capacity to train 70-80 (previously 35) students a year; during this project it trained 209 students in trade skills and family life, and placed 119. Also, curricula were revised and three new training areas introduced (air conditioning, appliance repair, and lithography). Trainee motivation toward employment has been extremely high. The PVO's income rose dramatically from sales of items produced during training (the trade school can be self-supporting at its new level of operations). Project management has been highly satisfactory, although early on there was a significant turnover in key OpF staff, due mainly to the low salaries offered. Technical and managerial training for mid-level staff is a critical need. Another is that OpF plan for the eventuality of replacing its charismatic executive director. Replication elsewhere in Jamaica is possible, but it must be noted that OpF's success is due in no small part to its strong director and to the esteem in which the PVO is held in Western Kingston. Further, OpF offers a service for which a genuine need exists, has wisely remained politically neutral, and is flexible in accommodating to changes in financial fortune and to the needs of socioeconomically deprived youth. Replication efforts should also recall that community participation in construction is not always advisable, e.g., in a community such as Western Kingston, where theft is a survival skill. The project proposal was prepared mostly by USAID/J and consultants, which later created some questions as to "project ownership." For example, USAID/J's role in construction and procurement left little room for OF to exercise autonomy in these areas. USAID/J should make its proposal format less intimidating to local PVO's.