PROMOTE VOLUNTARY SERVICES AND WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT - OPG (PVO : CODECAVOL)

Evaluation covers the period 9/1/79 to 3/31/80. No methodology is indicated. The project is being implemented by CODECAVOL. The first seminar was held on October 11-13, 1979. A total of 37 organizations were invited to participate. Of the 15 respondents, 12 had programs addressing the needs of poor women and their families in rural or urban marginal communities. While the participants indicated that they learned much about existing volunteer services and acknowledged the importance of effective interpersonal communication, immediate interest focussed on applying the new skills and techniques learned to improve present services in their respective organizations. Participants expressed satisfaction with the seminar"s content and materials and with USAID"s technical assistance, and expressed willingness to apply new abilities learned to all areas of their lives. It was recommended that a follow-up seminar be organized for the purpose of sharing new experiences and satisfying new needs. The second seminar was held on March 21-23, 1980, during a period of political unrest after a government coup. Of 40 organizations invited, 25 representatives from eight private volunteer organizations (PVO"s) and five public agencies of the new government attended. The process of integrating the group was difficult due to conflicting individual interests. Participants were well satsified with the seminar"s materials and methodology and with the skills acquired, and expressed interest in another similar experience. A disruptive incident involving six public agency representatives was resolved amicably. Specific objectives were not achieved with reference to the number of National Organizations, participants, and departments represented at the seminars. Recomendations include: sending a questionnaire to PVO"s to determine limitations perceived in carrying out their future program goals; and extension of the life of the project for one year to meet goals.