Project assistance completion report (PACR) : Altiplano higher education development project (520-0304)

The project was a success. Accomplishments include an academic program that encompasses a wide range of courses in such fields as bilingual education, legal interpretations, and phytotechnology, as well as traditional fields of study; a student development program and a student development center (CENDE) which includes community outreach, tutoring and job placement services, Mayan language training programs, and a student financial aid program; and a strengthening of the Quetzaltenango Campus through the purchase of textbooks, laboratory equipment, and computers. In addition, a permanent Linguistic Institute was established and has conducted studies of Mayan cultures and gender issues, the results of which are disseminated within the government and to indigenous organizations and universities. The URL has established a fundraising program (almost 80% complete), which will provide scholarships for 107 indigenous and disadvantaged students from the Highlands. The project had a positive impact on program graduates, who have included 280 technicians receiving associate degrees and 82 receiving licenciatura degrees. A number of URL graduates occupy important positions in NGOs and private businesses. The project has also had an impact at the community level, where social work graduates are designing development projects. In general, local employers have been satisfied with the performance of the URL graduates whom they have hired. The following lessons were learned. (1) Projects with private entities are more efficiently and effectively implemented than projects implemented with the local government. (2) Private entities with a focus on disadvantaged populations are better prepared and committed to implement social development projects than are those lacking this approach. (3) To avoid paternalism or overprotection, scholarship students should be required to pay part of their fees. (4) A fundraising program should be implemented from the beginning of the project to help insure program sustainability.