Primary Education Survey Evaluation Report Somalia - Somali - JNA

PES Evaluation Report, 2008
2 Training
2.1 Findings and Analysis
There have been a number of issues identified in this evaluation report that point to the importance of
effective training of enumerators and supervisors, and to the consequences when training has not been
undertaken with rigour and dedication. All of the issues discussed here have been mentioned in other
sections of the report and are being readdressed for purposes of thoroughness and completeness. It is
observed in the ownership section that ‘class training’ in itself is not an adequate preparation for the
undertaking of complex skills. It is further emphasised that experience and ongoing support are also
necessary. Thus, it is emphasised that there is a necessity for practical components, undertaken with
appropriate guidance and opportunity to reflect on the experience, to be central to the training process.
There are two major components to these discussions of training processes. The first is a certification
process for enumerators and supervisors and the second is a set of additions to the current training
programme that are based on experiences of people who have been engaged in the current process.
Readers may react to some of these issues with the view that they are already included in the training
process. What has become clear is that the training is not delivered using exactly the same process in all
zones, consequently, some procedures are being emphasised for inclusion.
Reports were received during the evaluation that some enumerators and supervisors did not take the
training seriously. This is in spite of the recent initiative to develop a TOR for the employment of these
staff members. The lack of commitment was reflected in behaviour of constantly absenting themselves
from training sessions, constantly using mobile phones during training, and failing to take and active part
in class sessions and activities. One MoE reported that:
Some people are only here for the money. We need to be more careful in their selection.
It is clear that it is not enough for mere attendance at the training be deemed adequate preparation, but
also an evaluation of performance leading to a certification process should be embedded to ensure
commitment and competence. A set of competencies should be designed and shared with trainees prior to
the training workshop. Certification will only be granted when trainees achieve all competencies. The
competencies might include:
Trainees must:
• Achieve satisfactory attendance
• Be able to actively engage in class activities
• Be able to use GPS and identification of way points
• Be able to use mapping skills to plot Location coordinates
• Demonstrate an ability to analyse data forms for inconsistencies
• Be able to use audit trail instruments
• Be able to discuss implications of inaccurate data
• Demonstrate commitment to the project and understand its importance.
• Be able to make ethical judgements appropriately
To assist participants achieve these competencies it will be necessary to adjust course content to provide
opportunities for participants to develop the necessary skills and attitudes. The following modules are
suggestions derived from the study:
• Ethics/Values module. This would have the aim of developing the importance of accurate data
collection and to value the opportunity to be a participant in the process. This might be achieved
through a set of small case studies that reflect common dilemmas faced in the field, and using
class or group discussion to resolve the dilemmas. An issue that might be included here is how to
deal with obviously exaggerated data, or major changes in data from previous years.
• Field Testing and Modelling of Monitoring Process module.
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