Population and development : Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation Ltd.

The evaluation covered the period FY87-9/90. The project"s overall objective as been achieved; credit for this should be given to a number of regional agencies, including the Ministries of Health and Education in each country. Regional FP associations have been strengthened and the project has given impetus to government agencies in the sustaining of FP programs. The IEC component completed all targeted video productions; aired half of the expected number of radio spot announcements, talk shows, and messages; produced about 60% of proposed posters and close to half of the proposed pamphlets; and conducted all project workshops on communications. However, while CFPA"s IEC materials have been widely used and widely praised, CFPA has not developed IEC materials for illiterates. The project was exceedingly successful in providing initial and, to a significant degree, follow-up training in the region. Training consisted of seminar workshops on topics such as: counseling skills, human sexuality and FP, field strategy development, communication, and management, as well as a workshop on men and FP. However, the project lacks the capability to influence trainee selection (as government ministries reserve the right to choose trainees) and to conduct post-training evaluation of participants. In addition, some participants hold positions in government agencies that do not allow them to employ skills learned during the training. The project has successfully conducted management training for the heads of regional FP associations. Plans to establish clinics for work-site delivery of FP services, however, have not proceeded as expected, largely due to an unrealistic timeframe. Only one (vs. five planned) clinics has been established, at Frequente Industrial Park in Grenada. However, the recession has led several U.S. firms that have factories in the park to reduce the number of employees, and the clinic"s viability may have to be reexamined. CFPA has experienced a fairly rapid personnel turnover, which significantly affects its overall capability. CFPA should consider hiring another staff member to coordinate outputs and offer managerial support. CFPA should also compile and synthesize the annual reports of the FP associations.