Evaluating
a Faith-Based Adult Literacy Program
Bolivia
May – September 2003
 In
2002, USAID awarded a cooperative agreement to Alfalit International,
a faith-based nonprofit, to implement adult literacy activities
in Bolivia and Angola. BEPS was asked to evaluate the Alfalit
Bolivia program.
The evaluation found that literacy students
in Bolivia are learning to read, write and do basic arithmetic
in about 9-10
months. Alfalit has successfully instilled in students the
concept that literacy is not an end in and of itself, but rather
a means to increase their skills. As a result of participating
in Alfalit courses, students’ feelings and attitudes
reflected increased self-esteem and confidence, a recognition
of the importance and value of education, a desire to grow
and get ahead in the future, and improved gender relations.
Many students said they were now able to speak without fear
in public, were helping their children with homework, encouraging
friends and family to study, and actively participating in
their communities. School attendance of literacy students’ children
also improved.
Implementing a USAID project has required Alfalit
Boliviano’s
transformation from a small, faith-based organization to a
more modern NGO partner. The evaluation recommended that, rather
than trying to fulfill the explosion of demand for new literacy
centers, Alfalit should focus on maintaining the quality of
service delivery in its existing centers. It also recommended
that Alfalit build on its current efforts to form strategic
alliances with NGOs, municipalities and other groups providing
complementary services, but that it should also continue working
with traditional partners so that Alfalit is not totally dependent
on USAID funding. The capacity of Alfalit Bolivia should be
strengthened through better administrative/ financial policies,
planning and procedures and emphasis should be given to the
staff training. Additional teaching resources should be provided
to centers, as well as complementary reading materials for
home libraries to promote a culture of reading and to sustain
literacy.
In sum, the evaluation identified demonstrated results
in student learning and behavior change in a short period of
time, and
recommended additional funding to be a sound USAID investment.
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