Project assistance completion report : LAC training initiatives II

training to individuals from public and private sector institutions in Ecuador. The project has successfully trained future policymakers, managers, and technical specialists, including the Mayor of Quito and a Pichincha Council member; and numerous professors, rectors, and vice-rectors from private and public universities, including the Rector of Central University. In most instances the project exceeded its quantitative goals because of a combined USAID/USIA effort under which the Fulbright Commission co-sponsored 25% of training expenses. As a result, 152 (vs. a target of 104) short-term technical courses were completed, 1 (vs. 0) long-term technical course was completed, and 28 (vs. 21) long-term academic programs (at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels) were completed. Training was provided in the areas of journalism, computerized information systems, scientific environmental issues, ecology, educational technologies, international trade, project design and management, agriculture (including agribusiness and dairy cattle), marketing, childhood education, and in sector administration (e.g., business, education, housing, and engineering, and human resources). All planned activities were successfully completed, except the grant agreement with Fundacion Privada Ecuatoriana, which was canceled because the Foundation did not provide the required counterpart contribution. Women comprised 50% of long-term training participants, and 19% of short-term training participants. Gender targets were set only for Fulbright grants (32% were intended for women); 62% of the long-term grants and 19% of the short-term were awarded to women. The following lessons were learned. (1) Future participant training projects in which candidates have difficulty meeting the English-language requirement should consider the use of third-country training. (2) Targets for female participation should be clearly specified to ensure substantial female participation. (3) The cost of pre-departure expenses (e.g., passports, taxes, international tickets) are usually paid by the host country or other non-A.I.D. funding. However, because of economic constraints Ecuadorian counterparts were unable to cover these expenses and the Mission often covered them. To reduce its costs the Mission negotiated with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Finance to use local currency to finance international travel for public employees. Similar arrangements should be made for future training of public employees. (4) The project allowed the Mission to train outstanding professionals who otherwise would not have qualified for project-related training because they were not employed by institutions supported by A.I.D. projects. It is recommended that the proposed Training for Development Project (scheduled for FY96) also target candidates who do not qualify for training under bilateral projects.