Special development activities program

Evaluation covers the period FY77-FY80 and consists of a PES facesheet attached to a special evaluation (XD-AAJ-221-A). Pre-existing cooperatives and skills training programs appear to have the greatest socioecomic development impact when assisting those already in a position to help themselves, when led by competent and dynamic local individuals, when involving young men or unwed mothers, and when engaging in appropriate productive activities. It is recommended that: (1) efforts be made to recruit dynamic local individuals; (2) Peace Corps Volunteers have supportive rather than leadership roles; and (3) projects generating income as the result of informal employment be recognized as having significant development potential. Overall, project experience showed that successful development projects build on success rather than compensate for failure.