World-wide evaluation of participant training : summary of principal findings and primary recommendations for action

Principal recommendations are that: (1) participants should be involved in planning their own program; (2) supervisors should be involved in selecting trainees and in planning both their program and the use to which the training will be put; (3) except where professional reasons indicate otherwise, longer-term training should be preferred to short-term training; (4) USAID and the host government should make formulate definite plans up front of how returned trainees will be employed; (5) steps should be taken to ensure that participants are informed about and satisfied with their programs prior to their departure; and (6) follow-up activities with participants, particularly their contacts with USAID, should be increased. (Author abstract, modified)