SIL LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE GROUPS

Final PES covers the period 7/1/78-10/80 and is based on site visits and document review. The Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), the implementer, has achieved or surpassed most targets. Because of participant interest and minimal transport costs, 59 extra community leaders (for a total of 137) were trained and are functioning in 90 communities. Training was provided to 127, including 14 rural practical nurses and four health promoters now providing curative/preventive care, and 37 radio technicians who are operating a basic communications system in 12 native communities. Because of SIL"s high academic standards and the Western Guarani and Yaminahua Indians" inability to participate, 53 of 60 planned bilingual teachers were trained. Nevertheless, 1,200 students and 200 adults from 11 ethnic groups in 43 communities now have access to bilingual primary education. Three cooperatives totalling 120 families were established and 180 km of trunk roads were constructed. Unexpectedly, salaried teachers have replaced privileged "patrons" in some communities, debt peonage is being displaced as communities attain financial resources, and infant mortality decreased among Siriono and Chacobo Indians. The project has taught that: (1) knowledge of both the national situation and indigenous cultures/languages, especially among teachers, is valuable in dealing with participants from many different cultures; (2) mixing different ethnic groups in courses and adapting class schedules to local customs are beneficial; (3) although recent or marginal bilinguals require more time to internalize concepts, people with no formal education can learn sophisticated technical skills; (4) government officials are useful in explaining a project to participants; (5) it is necessary and helpful to teach new skills to women; and (6) community input is helpful in selecting better trainees. It is recommended that SIL secure salaries for six rural practical nurses and ensure salaries and post-project training for teachers and that USAID prepare a final inspection report.