Project assistance completion report : Radio Santa Maria II

Despite having to be extended three times due to persistent bottlenecks in the procurement process, the project made several notable achievements. Project-purchased equipment enabled RSM to expand broadcasting and increase its listening audience by approximately 30%, now reaching more than 40,000 adult students each year. The evaluation process contributed to increased operational efficiency, while the training component improved RSM's capacity for innovation in instructional techniques. Studies have shown that the RSM system is cost-effective. The content of RSM courses is adapted to the psychology and life context of rural, lower income adults and is designed to equip and motivate students to contribute to social and economic development. Overall, the radio school students score significantly higher than formal school students on official government achievement tests. In addition to the graded educational service, RSM provides a series of programs in agriculture, nutrition and health, home-making, child care, and community development. The major lesson learned is that procurement delays should be minimized by allowing longer lead-time, ensuring more aggressive monitoring of the procurement process, and identifying a continuing source of supplies and parts for commodities procured under a grant.