USAID Training for Pakistan Project, Year 4 Quarter 2, 2016 Report

The project began in 2012 and is being implemented by World Learning. The project's primary objective is to improve the capacity of Pakistani institutions and individuals to implement USAID-funded programs and projects. During the second quarter of 2016, the project focused on conducting training programs for various stakeholders. A total of 41 new trainings were planned, and 19 Training Requests (TRs) were submitted. Seven trainings were completed, and six programs were ongoing at the quarter's end. These programs included exposure visits, legal aspects of project finance, PhD scholarships, and teacher education. One of the notable achievements during this quarter was the successful conclusion of the Masters of Science in Public Health program, which produced 24 public health graduates. Additionally, four participants in the Education PhD program met their graduation requirements and returned home after graduating. The Utilities Management training was attended by 51 mid-level and top-tier managers from public sector energy entities, resulting in improved knowledge and skills among participants. The project also worked with the Agriculture and Economic Growth offices to finalize the current Training Plan, which was approved by the Development Office (DO) and Task Order Contracting Officer's Representative (TOCOR) on September 1, 2016. Planning has begun on 18 of the 42 trainings included in the plan, and four have been completed in Customs, Trade, and Dairy Value Chain. The Dairy Value Chain training was conducted to provide participants with exposure to modern practices used in the production, storage, and marketing of organic milk. The training consisted of a combination of field visits, simulation exercises, and classroom sessions that promoted a "farm to fork" approach to value chain management. The Exposure Visit - Compliance of SPS Requirements program was also conducted during the quarter, with some participants' additional expectations being communicated to the training provider. Activities for the Let Girls Learn – Pathways to Success (LGL-PTS) program focused on finalizing procurement of three training providers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South Punjab, and Sindh. Recommendation Memos for TOCOR approval were submitted in September, 2016. The project developed a detailed agenda and management plans for discussion at an LGL-PTS workshop/launch event that will bring implementing partners together to ensure high-quality implementation and standardization of some essential program elements. The project conducted the yearly offsite work plan meeting in Lahore from August 17 through August 19, 2016. Highlights from the discussions included a proposal for the streamlining of Project processes, completion of the draft FY 2017 work plan, and development of a matrix of recommended improvements in project operations. A detailed list of Coordination Meetings and Outcomes realized during the quarter can be found at Attachment I.