Project assistance completion report : development manpower training project 660-0068

Phase I of the project was a pilot program to test selected management training activities in collaboration with other national or foreign training institutions. The project conducted a training needs analysis survey, established the National Center for the Coordination of Development Training (CENACOF), conducted workshops and seminars for 200 personnel, selected 50 candidates to be trained as CENACOF trainers, and developed a comprehensive management and training plan to be used in Phase II. During Phase II, CENACOF developed its core of trainers and conducted 16 in-country seminars for 153 trainers and 500 development personnel. The total number trained during both phases was 853, out of 1,500 planned. The training provided has been well received by the GOZ and private institutions. CENACOF received high marks in: (1) use of participatory methods, (2) training in "team-building" and basic management techniques, and (3) training-related research and human resources planning services, such as training needs assessments. Although the project has been successful in producing outputs, general and financial management has been a serious and permanent problem at CENACOF. Corrective actions recommended in two interim evaluations were not implemented, due primarily to a poor working relationship between CENACOF and long-term advisors. Internal problems will most likely persist, since two key members of the executive management committee and two professional trainers were fired or led to resign after denouncing the director general's leadership and financial mismanagement. As a result, CENACOF is using two trainers who were not professionally trained, which may affect training quality. CENACOF's ability to sustain itself through seminar fees is also uncertain.