Written by Mekong Institute

This report evaluates GMS Phnom Penh Plan for Development Management (PPP) Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) learning course “Participation in Government and Civil Society-Module 2” Mekong Institute (MI) hosted this course from 1 to 12 November 2004. Seventeen (17) government officials from the six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries attended the course. Participants hold a mixture of middle level to senior level positions from a wide variety of government ministries, agencies and state-owned enterprises. Of participants, 41% are women.  

This course was the second of a two-part modular programme. Module 1 comprised four segments covering introductory aspects of participation, including legal and institutional frameworks involving multi-stakeholder cooperation and participation for effective development. Module 2 comprises 10 topics to develop participants’ skills to implement the knowledge gained in Module 1 and apply it to participatory development projects and actions. According to the PPP questionnaires and country-group discussions, participants attained the Module 2 objectives.

Participants developed the skills for participation through a wide range of course activities and learning materials. Participants further developed professional skills to develop and present a project proposal. The course activities include presentations by facilitators, class discussions, group work/ assignments, case methods, field research visits and course related social and recreational activities. These activities received excellent ratings from participants. According to the PPP questionnaires and country-group discussions, participants felt they fully attained the new knowledge and skills offered, learning materials and content were excellent, and they made many new friendships and professional contacts.

Five programme presenters assisted participants with knowledge and skill development and professional network formation. Participants confirmed that the resource persons are qualified, experienced presenters who were able to explain difficult content in clear and simple terms. According to the questionnaires and country-group discussions, participants felt resource persons were excellent in helping them acquire module content.

This evaluation reports on MI support services. In general, participants and resource persons found MI to be a clean, well-run facility with dedicated, friendly staff.

The report concludes, based on the above findings, that the learning programme was successful. Finally, the course participants, facilitators and MI support staff provided many valuable recommendations on curriculum, learning activities and methods, and future course offerings. These recommendations are summarized in Section 5 of this report.