Vocational training

Final PES covers the period 9/80-9/85 and is based on document review, interviews with VTC graduates, employers, trainees, trainers, and senior VTC officials. Although a 28-month extension was required to complete the 21-month project, due primarily to delays concerning building and equipping the VTC"s trade training center at Yajouz (YTTC), the project has achieved its purpose. The YTTC was completed in 10/83 shortly before the project"s end and enrolls 900 students annually - 300 more than planned - attracting both younger students interested in vocational training and older skilled workers wishing to improve their skill levels. VTC records indicate that the majority of trainees come from lower-income families and that many work in their spare time to provide family income. A project-funded study of women"s employment opportunities has given the VTC a basis for planning and implementing programs for women in traditional and non-traditional skills at its five small urban centers and the new women"s training center at Marka. Training and TA from Ohio State University (OSU) were well received by VTC staff (11 of whom have completed short-term out-of-country trips funded under this and a related project, vs. 4 planned), and 2 planned seminars were held in 5/81 with 36 participants. While the VTC and OSU have not maintained a strong sister school relationship, they correspond and continue to exchange information. Some project commodities procured by the VTC with the assistance of a U.S. procurement agent violated source and origin requirements or specifications, although this has been corrected. The project has shown that: (1) it is important to incorporate a realistic implementation schedule into project design; and (2) if a procurement service agent is utilized, A.I.D. should prepare commodity specifications early and require experience and accountability of the agent.