Project assistance completion report : human resources development

Despite the project's complexity and difficulties, major activities and expected outputs were successfully accomplished. Educational credit -- loans were provided to 5,300 students -- significantly expanded management and vocational/technical training opportunities, especially for poorer candidates, and led to a consequent improvement in the income, productivity, and overall quality of life. In order to finance future participants, FUNDAPEC established a revolving loan fund with the repayment funds from student loans. FUNDAPEC also established a program which provided direct credit for training to 4,366 managers and potential managers of medium and small companies as well as self-employed persons. The three types of training offered -- short-term, university, and correspondence courses -- all had a direct impact on the management of the businesses involved. In addition, loans for procuring computer equipment were provided to 14 vocational/technical institutions, TA in institutional development was provided to 34 such institutions, and 107 faculty and administrative personnel received short-term U.S. training. FUNDAPEC staff also received short-term overseas training, covering credit management, collection, and approval; recordkeeping; and vocational/technical curriculum development. FUNDAPEC also received a computer which improved its capacity to provide educational loans. Lessons learned relate to procurement delays and equipment selection. (1) To minimize delays, future projects should place more emphasis on adequate lead-time and timely, regular monitoring during the procurement process. (2) An education procurement consultant should be contracted to assist institutions in selecting appropriate equipment.