Swaziland project, AID/AFR-C-1617 : final report

The project successfully fielded three long-term advisors, as planned, plus a fourth part-time research advisor. The nonformal education (NFE) advisor encouraged cooperation among DEMS and other NFE-involved agencies, developed 17 extensionist training modules (also made into a series of 6 workshops), and helped to plan Rural Education Center programs and establish a media resources center for materials development; extensionists" communication skills were enhanced through workshops on such techniques as theater-for-development and radio learning campaigns. The adult education advisor focused on defining Swaziland"s needs in adult education; activities ranged from coordinating formal O-level and adult education courses to expanding the number of outreach rural development centers and conducting an interagency adult education workshop. The management training (MT) advisor - fielded after a consultant drew up a focused work plan - developed MT programs for several organizations (mostly private companies), helped establish an interagency MT advisory council, and compiled a directory of MT courses and activities. The research advisor - whose activities have become a key area in DEMS development - completed training needs assessments for 18 private and 28 public organizations and provided assistance to a vocational center and 3 women"s income generating projects. Three Swazi counterparts completed U.S. M.Ed. degrees, supplemented by internships and extensive on-the-job training, and have now replaced departed advisors. In addition, consultancies were provided in management (especially to refocus training on rural areas and extensionists), adult education, DEMS fiscal management, and planning (four workshops were held to work out details of DEMS" 5-year plan). Other CIE activities included development of a procurement system for resources center materials, getting the media center underway, and sponsoring DEMS-CIE personnel exchange.