Project evaluation report : Fiji, Western Somoa, Papua New Guinea

(HKI) in Fiji, Western Samoa, and Papua New Guinea to upgrade community-based educational and rehabilitative services to blind persons. External evaluation covers the period through 3/86 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with HKI and cooperating agency personnel and with beneficiaries. The Fiji project, which served as a pilot for the others, was an unmitigated success. Working with the Fiji Society for the Blind (FSB), HKI succeeded in upgrading educational programs for blind children (in particular, developing integrated education as an alternative to segregated programs) and in initiating outreach services to blind adults in rural areas. The project was expanded into a national program for primary eye health care and services to blind and low-vision preschool children, which is restoring or saving the vision of hundreds each year. Further, the project contributed, most notably at the community level, to heightened awareness of the capabilities of blind persons and blindness prevention strategies. FSB and the Government of Fiji's (GOF) Ministry of Health and Social Welfare provide a sound infrastructure on which program continuation can be based as well as capable personnel. However, some problems did emerge, related to: fitting certain programs into the GOF's overall education and social welfare structures; staff security; and the need to continue to support communication between key individuals who now have limited contact with HKI. Initial assistance to the Western Samoa Association for the Blind (WSAB) has been very useful, though provided less regularly than in Fiji due to the island's low population and WSAB's uncertain support. The program still lacks a sound structural base; however, HKI has put in place a viable framework - given continued outside support - for services to blind persons. The program's survival despite less than ideal circumstances shows that it was carefully planned, developed with attention to local needs and restrictions, and well-staffed by local personnel. The Papua New Guinea project has faced many challenges. Some approaches to training local field workers and structuring the service organizations have been more successful than others, but it is too early to be able to predict long-term impact or any needed changes. HKI has been especially successful in strengthening the National Board for the Disabled's leadership role which, in turn, has increased awareness of the national and provincial governments of the need for quality, appropriate services for disabled persons. Finally, HKI has successfully brought together other international and regional resources which have contributed to programs in these and other countries in the region.