Southern Africa manpower development - Swaziland : evaluation

Special evaluation covers the period 1978-12/83 and is based on interviews with 35 returned participants and with operational expert (OPEX) advisors. Eighty participants returned to Swaziland after receiving academic and non-academic training in the United States and Africa. Of these, 52 received long-term U.S. training at the Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and Certificate/Diploma level, while 19 received short-term U.S training and were awarded certificates of achievement or certificates in a specialized field. Nine persons received long-term training in Africa, mostly at the East and Southern African Management Institute in Arusha. The participants queried felt that the training program had met their professional objectives and had improved their performance in their present positions. Most considered that their allowances for living overseas were adequate, although received late in several instances. On the negative side, many expressed disappointment at being underutilized in their positions. Despite having earned higher qualifications and even a promotion as a result of their training, many have returned to lower salaries due to Government of Swaziland wage regulations. Also, a number of participants felt they had been rudely treated in the course of their training by the subcontractor providing the backstopping. Returnees expressed high interest in providing input into a follow-on project and in helping USAID/S prioritize manpower training needs. The OPEX advisors interviewed believe that they have influenced policy and planning through their work and have broken new ground for the ministry for which they work. They are all generally satisfied with their recruitment, salaries, and benefits, but request A.I.D.'s consideration with regard to air-surface freight allowances and specificity of travel regulations and restrictions. Numerous recommendations are included.