Project paper : training for leadership

technical and administrative training to members of Nicaragua"s war-weakened private sector and to build the institutional capacity of the project implementor, the Nicaraguan Development Institute"s private educational program, EDUCREDITO. A U.S. agent will assist EDUCREDITO in implementing the project. A Technical Committee with representatives from EDUCREDITO, the Superior Council of Private Enterprises, the U.S. agent, USAID/N, and Nicaragua"s private sector will be established to develop a survey to identify private sector training needs and potential trainees. The U.S. agent will then search for appropriate U.S. training opportunities, and in cooperation with EDUCREDITO will arrange training schedules, provide logistical support, and monitor trainee performance. Approximately 263 Nicaraguans will receive 526 person-months of short-term training, including observational tours, site visits, internships, short courses, and field projects directed toward leadership and skills development in agriculture, industry, services, health, and commerce. When possible, training will be in Spanish to maximize efficiency. Approximately 20 scholarships for 2-year, U.S., graduate training in socioeconomic development will be awarded to individuals having potential for aiding economic reconstruction. Trainees will agree to work the equivalent of twice the value (for short-term trainees) or twice the duration (for long-term trainees) of their respective training upon return to Nicaragua. EDUCREDITO will be supported in two ways. A.I.D. will transfer $255,000 in grant funds, which along with private support, will cover EDUCREDITO"s operating deficit and permit minimal capitalization. Technical assistance will be provided in managing and implementing the educational credit program; purchases of limited office equipment and publications will also be covered. EDUCREDITO will receive partial repayment of training costs from trainees or their employers. Although the relationship between the private sector and the Government for National Reconstruction (GRN) has recently deteriorated and GRN support of the project is unknown, it is expected that the GRN will allow project implementation.