JAMAICA

	FY 1998 Actuals	FY 1999 Estimate	FY 2000 Request
Development Assistance	$7,590,000	$6,120,000	$7,435,000
Child Survival & Disease Fund	$3,450,000	$3,426,000	$3,325,000
Economic Support Funds	---	---	$1,500,000

Introduction

The United States has a strong interest in Jamaica's economic and political well-being because of its geographic proximity, trade and investment relations, commitment to interdiction of illegal drugs destined for the United States, and shared concerns regarding regional security and environmental threats. U.S. development assistance in Jamaica contributes directly to U.S. strategic goals. Ensuring a stable Jamaican economy protects existing U.S. markets and investments in Jamaica and fosters opportunities for expanding the market for U.S. imports. Promoting economic growth and employment generation in Jamaica also provides Jamaicans with viable economic alternatives to becoming victims of or participants in drug trafficking and illegal emigration.

The Development Challenge

Jamaica's key development challenges include: reducing widespread poverty; jump-starting a stagnant economy; protecting a fragile natural resource base; and assisting "at risk" Jamaican youth. Although Jamaica made significant strides in liberalizing its economy under its structural adjustment program (1981-1995), comparable benefits have not yet reached the poor. With economic growth declining in both 1996 and 1997, unemployment rates remain high (16%) and living conditions continue to deteriorate for far too many Jamaicans. USAID's strategy for stimulating broad-based economic development focuses on creating jobs through micro and small business development, with a special emphasis on creating opportunities for depressed inner city communities, particularly for young Jamaicans. Without a solution to the problems which put youth at risk, the potential of tomorrow's workforce is compromised. To address this challenge, USAID is supporting an integrated program to improve primary-level education and to enhance the life skills of at-risk adolescents.

Jamaica's economic dependence on tourism, mining and traditional agriculture has generated widespread degradation of the country's natural resource base, threatening the very existence of these key industries. Moreover, Jamaica's population and economic activity is becoming increasingly concentrated in urban and coastal areas. This trend places natural habitats and natural resources in these areas under increasing threat, from deforestation and degradation of upland watersheds to pollution of coastal waters and degradation of the island's coral reefs. In response to these threats, USAID efforts target increasing the capacity of the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) and local NGOs to manage and protect Jamaica's fragile natural resource base. USAID efforts also support the development of a national environmental policy framework and a national system of protected areas, including the establishment of a user fee system and improved protected area management through public-private partnerships.

Exacerbating Jamaica's development challenge is an external debt of about $3.6 billion (including $670 million to the United States), the servicing of which consumes 52% of the GOJ's annual budget. Given the extent of Jamaica's development challenges and the benefit to the United States of ensuring the stability of our neighbors, USAID does not foresee program graduation in the near-term.

Other Donors

In FY 1996, USAID and the donor community pledged over $140 million for development activities in Jamaica. The European Union (EU) is the largest bilateral donor, followed by the United States. Canada, Japan, the Netherlands (GON), Germany and the United Kingdom. Multilateral donors/lenders include the World Bank (IBRD), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank and United Nations agencies. Major activities supported by these donors/lenders include: the Social Investment Fund and public sector modernization (IBRD); microenterprise development (GON, EU, IDB, IBRD, Canada); water supply/road infrastructure improvement (Japan); capacity building for environmental management and watershed and forestry management (Canada/IDB); support for parks and protected areas (EU); sewage and waste water treatment (EU, Japan, UNEP); primary and secondary school reform (IDB, IBRD); teacher education (Britain); and HIV/AIDS/STDs prevention (Germany, GON).

FY 2000 Program

USAID's planned FY 2000 program will require a total funding level of $12.26 million -- $7.435 million in Development Assistance, $3.325 million in Child Survival Funds and $1.5 million in Economic Support Funds. Of that amount, $4.275 million (including $1.5 million in ESF to support employment generation in garrison communities) will support increased employment in targeted micro and small businesses; $2.71 million will support improved quality of key natural resources in environmentally and economically significant areas; $3.275 million will support improved reproductive health of youth; and $1.975 million will support improved literacy and numeracy among Jamaican youth in targeted primary schools. These funds will directly support Agency goals of promoting economic growth, protecting the environment, stabilizing world population and developing human resources.

Toward these goals, USAID's program will support broad-based economic growth and better governance by delivering financial and technical services to microenterprises; improving management and technical capacity of small businesses with competitive growth potential in targeted sectors; and facilitating public-private partnerships to simplify government regulations and processes toward an improved business and trade environment. USAID's response to environmental threats is an integrated "ridge-to-reef" resource management program that assists community-based NGOs to implement activities, e.g. agroforestry, eco-tourism, appropriate on-site sanitation solutions and environmental audit programs, that will improve the quality of coastal waters and upland watersheds. Other interventions will focus on improving the policy framework and waste water/sewage management.

USAID's efforts to improve reproductive health will focus on the high-risk adolescent population. Assistance will increase availability and access to youth-friendly reproductive health services; develop and disseminate educational materials and innovative approaches to encourage changes in high-risk behaviors; and strengthen reproductive health policies. To improve human capacity, USAID will support a comprehensive program to improve literacy/numeracy levels among both primary school students and out-of-school youth. At the primary school level, USAID will provide 72 schools in poor communities with in-service teacher training in mathematics and reading, parent education, health and nutrition programs, and leadership training for schools, communities and parents. To improve the prospects of a targeted 80,000 out-of-school adolescents, USAID will aim to improve social and job skills through activity packages designed to promote self-esteem, reduce teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS/STDs, increase literacy, and re-instate "drop-outs" into schools.

JAMAICA

FY 2000 PROGRAM SUMMARY
(in thousands of dollars)

USAID Mission Director: Mosina H. Jordan

USAID Strategic and Special Objectives	Economic Growth & Agriculture	Population & Health	Environment	Democracy	Human Capacity Developmnt	Humanitarian Assistance	TOTALS
SO#1 - Increased employment in targeted micro and small businesses - DA - CS - ESF	2,500 --- 1,500	--- --- ---	275 --- ---	--- --- ---	--- 25 ---	--- --- ---	2,775 25 1,500
SO#2 - Improved quality of key natural resources in selected areas that are both environmentally and economically significant - DA	---	---	2,710	---	---	---	2,710
SO#3 - Improved reproductive health of youth - DA - CS	--- ---	1,450 1,825	--- ---	--- ---	--- ---	--- ---	1,450 1,825
SO#4 - Increased literacy and numeracy among youth in targeted primary schools - DA - CS	--- ---	500 ---	--- ---	--- ---	--- 1,475	--- ---	500 1,475
TOTALS - DA - CS - ESF	2,500 --- 1,500	1,950 1,825 ---	2,985 --- ---	--- --- ---	--- 1,500 ---	--- --- ---	7,435 3,325 1,500

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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET

PROGRAM: Jamaica
TITLE AND NUMBER: Increased Employment in Targeted Micro and Small Businesses, 532-SO01
STATUS: Continuing and New
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCES: FY 2000: $2,775,000 DA; 25,000 CSD; $1,500,000 ESF
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY2001

Summary: In response to the deteriorating economy, USAID undertook a comprehensive assessment of its economic growth strategic objective. The Mission reconfirmed that negative to low growth in the Jamaican economy over the last several years largely results from severe structural problems still needing correction. These problems include weak institutions (financial and non-financial) which support the private sector, the high cost of credit, low levels of training and the lack of government incentives to foster business development. Increases in crime and acts of violence seriously undermine efforts to promote investment, employment, and growth. Given limited USAID resources, a consensus emerged that USAID could best help by implementing a program which focuses on promotion of micro and small enterprises. The purpose of this revised SO is to increase employment opportunities and to foster greater emphasis on job creation especially in micro and small enterprises. The Jamaican beneficiaries will include individuals who gain employment in the enterprises that receive USAID support, and those who live in communities which will be strengthened through the program.

Key Results: Several key results were developed as necessary to achieve the overall SO: (1) Microenterprise: the number of microenterprises receiving micro business support services will be increased by 50%: 9,000 loans will be made, and micro and small business support institutions will be strengthened; (2) Small Business: Critical regulatory improvements will be implemented with the provision of more incentives and the reduction of bureaucratic "red tape" (it is estimated that at least 13 regulations will be modified); and (3) Reduction in Crime and Violence: the investment climate and employment in targeted urban communities (i.e. support to inner city development) will be improved.

Performance and Prospects: The ongoing microenterprise activity performed well over the past year despite a delay in expanding microenterprise financial services, and despite the fact that a financial sector crisis resulted in 75% of Jamaica's banks, including the bank which implements the activity, going into receivership. The success has been multi-faceted. The delinquency rate has been low and sustained, (maintained at under six percent). The number of loans disbursed far exceeded the planned target by nearly 100%. Over 3,000 loans totalling 56 million Jamaican dollars (approximately US$1.5 million) were disbursed to Jamaican microentrepreneurs who would not have been otherwise able to access credit. During the crisis, the microenterprise program was curtailed for a short time, as the authorities evaluated the administering bank, Workers Bank, and took the decision to consolidate it with other financial institutions. As a result, planned expansion of the program did not take place as scheduled. Over the next year, USAID will build on the continued success of the microfinancing activity and expand the program to provide business services to 14,000 microenterprises already in the program. These business non-financial services will include training and technical assistance in the areas of product development, accounting, basic management skills and marketing.

In Jamaica there are many overlapping bureaucratic requirements and procedures which inhibit trade and investment. These problems appear to be most serious for smaller firms. A new activity to improve the enabling environment for small business through improved governance will be designed in FY 1999, with implementation beginning in early FY 2000. It is anticipated that assistance will focus on policy dialogue between the GOJ and small businesses and self employed individuals to identify specific obstacles to small business development; implementation of specific regulatory and policy reforms; development of a small business investment roadmap; and provision of technical support to small businesses in targeted niche areas such as agro-processing, textiles and sewn product, and eco-tourism which enjoy competitive advantages.

There will be the inclusion of an activity to foster the reduction in crime and violence with the creation of avenues for employment of inner-city youth. This activity is primarily inspired by the recognition that poor unemployed youth are more easily drawn into illegal and criminal activities, and it is important to invest in these young individuals so that they can make their positive contributions to Jamaica. Assistance will be provided in the following areas: community relations; conflict resolution; assistance to NGOs for technical skill training, job preparation, and job placement; and microenterprise support.

Possible Adjustment to Plans: In response to the problems of the bank which implements the microenterprise program, USAID supported a due diligence assessment of the Bank's savings and credit portfolios. The assessment provided important information to the Financial Sector Adjustment Company (FINSAC) which seeks to bolster the financial sector and also ensure that the microenterprise program supported by USAID continues with no adverse impacts. To achieve this, FINSAC will license a new, independent microenterprise finance institution which will become USAID's principal partner for implementation of a new microfinance program modeled on the successful elements of USAID's current program.

Other Donor Programs: There are a number of other donors working in the area of economic growth with a focus on small and microenterprise: the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), World Bank, United Nations Development Program and the Government of the Netherlands. The Canadian Development Agency (CIDA) entered into a joint venture with the Bank of Nova Scotia and an inner- city development company to offer loan services to three inner-city communities on a pilot basis. Total funds for these activities approximate $205 million.

Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Current and potential grantees and contractors include Workers Bank, Financial Sector Adjustment Company, Jamaica Exporters Association, Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

Selected Performance Measures:

	Baseline (1997)	Target (2000)	Target (2001)
Number of loans per year	2,460	6,500	9,000
Value of loan portfolio	J$40 mil	J$130 mil	J$200 mil
Proposed results indicators for new activities:    Number of regulatory improvements implemented    Number of people in targeted communities employed

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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET

PROGRAM: JAMAICA
TITLE AND NUMBER: Improved quality of key natural resources in selected areas that are both environmentally and economically significant, 532-S002
STATUS: Continuing/revised
PROPOSED OBLIGATION & FUNDING SOURCE: FY 2000: $2,710,000 DA
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001

Summary: As Jamaica's population and economic activity becomes increasingly concentrated in urban and coastal areas, the fragile natural habitats and natural resources in these and surrounding areas are placed under increasing threat -- from deforestation and degradation of upland watersheds (the result of unsustainable agricultural and industrial practices) to pollution of coastal waters and degradation of the island's coral reefs (largely the result of inadequate sanitation and sewage treatment systems). The very resource base on which Jamaica's tourism- and agriculture-based economy depends is at risk. A 1996 report from the GOJ indicates that several of the island’s beaches had fecal coliform levels well in excess of the acceptable level for recreational use of water recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a survey of north coast coral reefs indicated that there is only about 10% live coral on key barrier reefs. The purpose of USAID's environmental program is to reverse the trend of environmental degradation and promote practices and policies that will result in the sustainable management of the natural resource base on which Jamaica's economy depends.

Key Results: Three key intermediate results were deemed necessary to achieve this objective: (1) increased adoption of environmentally sound practices--70% of targeted resource users are expected to adopt improved practices; (2) increased compliance with environmental regulations: five policies which provide economic incentives for adoption of improved environmental practices will be enacted; and (3) improved effectiveness of waste water management--at least 50% (versus the current 23%) of effluent samples taken from selected treatment plants will meet GOJ standards.

Performance and Prospects: Overall performance during the last year met expectations. Significant USAID-supported achievements include start-up of the first public/private partnership for coastal water quality monitoring and GOJ approval of a plan to introduce voluntary user-fees in Jamaica's two national parks. The Mission is currently working to formalize the program. Work is continuing with resource users in selected coastal zones, watershed areas and protected areas to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. In buffer zones and protected areas, local communities are adopting improved environmental standards, particularly with respect to sanitation practices. Some private sector/NGO partnerships have resulted in sustainable eco-enterprises. As the result of an environmental audit program many resort hotels are adopting environmental management systems (EMS) that comply with international standards. In fact, three of the 15 hotels audited have attained the internationally recognized Green Globe environmental certification. Moreover, as a result of this USAID initiative, other hotels are independently seeking Green Globe certification, and one hotel has already achieved certification without USAID support.

One of the key challenges to protecting natural resources is the fact that they are undervalued; their prices are not based on the prevailing market prices. For example, the price of potable water and the sewage fees charged by the National Water Commission (NWC) do not reflect the cost of providing these services (annualized capital costs plus annual operating and maintenance costs). Without better pricing, businesses and households may be discouraged from making water conservation investments and altering water management practices. USAID has achieved exceptional progress in national policy formulation for an experimental model in public-private partnership arrangements for waste water treatment. The rationalization of the price of the services is under active consideration as part of the policy initiative.

A significant policy issue may impede USAID's achievement toward improving coastal water quality. Jamaican law requires households/businesses near a sewer main or branch to pay a sewage fee to the NWC, but it does not require the household or business to actually connect so that their sewage may be treated. Thus, if the connection costs--borne by the customer under current NWC policy--far exceed the costs of pit latrines or soak-away systems, the customer’s optimal strategy may be to pay the NWC charge without connecting. This may allow the NWC to maximize its revenue but does not auger well for protection of water quality since most alternatives result in direct discharges to groundwater or surface water. In addition, such policy contributes to inefficient use of sewage treatment capacity. To address this issue, USAID is providing assistance to the GOJ on how to implement a policy of mandatory connection and an assistance package to low-income households.

Possible Adjustments to Plans: Whereas the Mission's environmental program in the past has supported traditional enforcement mechanisms for compliance with environmental regulations--an approach which has been only moderately effective, the program is poised for a shift in emphasis toward supporting the development of market incentives to encourage voluntary compliance. USAID is currently working with the GOJ to make the necessary policy changes to implement this strategy. Based on the success of the environmental audit program, which has focused principally on the tourism sector, the program will be strengthened to work with the industrial and service sectors to promote the adoption of environmental management systems to meet voluntary international environmental standards, such as ISO 14000 for the manufacturing sector and Green Globe Certification for the hotel/tourism sector. More emphasis will also be placed on the identification of economic incentives (creative financing, taxes, and polluter pay principle) for the adoption of improved environ-mental practices. In a similar vein, local communities will be assisted to create income earning opportunities within the protected areas (e.g. ecotourism) which will have a positive environmental impact.

Other Donor Programs: USAID is collaborating closely with other donors to maximize the use of resources. We are working jointly with the European Union (EU) to support NGO programs in marine park management and with the Netherlands Government to promote eco-tourism enterprises. The IDB is supporting a program to improve natural resources management in selected watersheds by promoting profitable environmentally-friendly watershed management activities. The EU and the German government are supporting the policy reforms necessary to improve the efficiency of waste water management systems.

Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Current grantees include the GOJ’s Natural Resources Conservation Authority and local NGOs, such as the Negril Environmental Protection Trust, Jamaica Conservation Development Trust, Portland Environmental Protection Agency. Technical assistance firms include Associates in Rural Development, Hagler Bailly Inc., and Technical Support Services.

Selected Performance Measures:

	Baseline (1998)	Target (2000)	Target (2001)
Targeted resource users adopting improved environmental practices in target areas (%)	0	60	70
Number of economic incentives incorporated in regulatory framework	0	51	5
Effluent samples from targeted sewage treat- ment plants meeting GOJ effluent standards (%)	23	40	50

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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET

PROGRAM: Jamaica
TITLE AND NUMBER: Improved Reproductive Health of Youth, 532-S003
STATUS: Revised
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCES: $1,450,000 DA; $1,825,00 CSD
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001

Summary: USAID has supported the development and implementation of a national family planning program which has assisted with increasing the contraceptive prevalence rate from 38% in the 1970s to 64.5% in 1997, and decreasing fertility rates from 4.5 to 2.8 live births per woman during the same time-frame. The general decline in the total fertility rate is more or less mirrored in the declining age-specific fertility rates for most age groups. Over the past decade, the largest decreases were among 25-29 year-olds; however, there was an upward movement among the 15-24 year olds where the fertility rate increased from 107 live births per 1,000 women (1993) to 112 live births per 1,000 women (1997). The fact that the proportion of births to mothers under 20 years of age has remained at about 30% of all births since the 1970s is also significant.

In response to the trend of increased fertility rates among the younger age groups and the potential adverse consequences both in terms of the health of the young mother and infant, as well as interruption or termination in their education, USAID made a strategic decision to shift the program focus to the adolescent population. A new program was designed to improve reproductive health, especially among adolescents and will begin implementation in June/July 1999.

Key Results: Three key intermediate results will support the achievement of the SO: (1) increased use of quality reproductive health and HIV/AIDS/STD services and preventive practices--toward a decrease in the fertility rate of 15-19 year-olds from 112 to 105 live births per 1,000 women and a 1% or less increase in the HIV seroprevalence rate among clinic attenders; (2) knowledge, attitude and practice gap decreased related to family planning and HIV/AIDS/STDs; and (3) national policies adopted and guidelines implemented in support of reproductive health (focusing on adolescents), e.g., incorporation of a strong adolescent reproductive health rights element in the national population policy, implementation of the national family planning service guidelines and legislation enacted by Parliament to make HIV a notifiable disease.

Performance and Prospects: With USAID financial support and technical assistance, Jamaica's Personal Choice contraceptive social marketing program has stimulated a 110% increase in private sector sales of Depo Provera injectables since 1995. The extensive marketing campaign of the program has made the injectables available in a convenient setting and at an affordable price. Increased use of the injectable has contributed to a rise in contraceptive prevalence and couple-years protection (CYP). Legislation has been passed in parliament for over-the-counter sale of oral contraceptives by pharmacists. This has legally permitted brand name marketing of oral contraceptives for the first time. The number of infectious (primary and secondary) syphilis cases in both males and females has decreased by 32% since 1996. This decrease in infectious cases can be partially attributed to activities supported by USAID's AIDS prevention and counseling and STD treatment program and includes: more widely available same-day treatment; better syphilis screening; follow-up by contact investigators in case finding; and peer counselling and outreach. Interventions under this new activity will serve to improve reproductive health including family planning and HIV/AIDS/STD prevention.

The new reproductive health program scheduled to begin implementation later this year is focused to address the specific issues related to adolescent reproductive health. Its activities are aimed at enhancing the transition to adulthood of young Jamaicans by increasing the availability of relevant information and quality services that can motivate young people to take positive actions to improve and protect their reproductive health status. The program will focus interventions in selected parishes.

Possible Adjustments to Plans: In 1998, after extensive consultations, USAID concluded it would separate the education and health program into two separate programs. This division has provided more specificity, ease and significance of meaningful measurement of results. However, the linkages between education and health continue to be clearly defined. USAID's family planning program will end in July 1999. Based on the successes and groundwork laid by the family planning program and the increased fertility in the younger age groups as well as their increased risk for HIV and STDs, USAID and the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) signed a new agreement in September 1998. This agreement will encompass both the new reproductive health activity as well as incorporate the existing AIDS/STD Prevention and Control program.

Other Donor Programs: USAID is the major donor in the area of reproductive health focusing on adolescents as well as HIV/AIDS/STDs. The United Nations Family Planning Program (UNFPA), the only other donor at present implementing programs in adolescent reproductive health, has designed an approximately three-year $780,000 project which will be implemented in three sites. USAID collaborates with the GOJ, Pan American Health Organization and other bilateral donors such as the British, Germans and Dutch to maintain implementation coordination.

Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAID implements its activities through the GOJ, U.S. and Jamaican private firms, and, where possible, Jamaican NGOs. U.S. firms which have assisted in program implementation include the Academy for Educational Development, the Futures Group, Family Health International and Pathfinder, International. GOJ entities include the Ministry of Health (specifically, the Epidemiology Unit and the National Family Planning Board).

Selected Performance Measures:

	Baseline	Target (2000)	Target (2001)
Youth Fertility (15-19) (live births/1,000 women)	112 (1997)	105.5	105
HIV seroprevalence among clinic attenders1 (% of STD clinic attenders)	5.9 (1995)	13	14
Percentage of target group who cite at least two ways to prevent HIV infection.2
1HIV seroprevalence in an STD clinic overstates the prevalence in the general population. Quality STD services in the clinic could disproportionately attract HIV-positive clients. The plan is to reduce or maintain the rate of increase of HIV seroprevalence to 1% or less each year. 2This is a proposed indicator to reflect the changes in knowledge, attitudes and/or practices. The final indicator and target will be selected in consultation with the Ministry of Health and other partners.

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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET

PROGRAM: Jamaica
TITLE AND NUMBER: Increased Numeracy and Literacy In Targeted Primary Schools
STATUS: New
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCES: $500,000 DA; $1,475,000 CSD
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001

Summary: Structural adjustment measures over the last two decades have forced negative repercussions on Jamaica’s education system. This includes a decline in budgetary allocations to education from 13.5% in 1990/91 to 9.2% in 1994/95. These have been translated into chronic poor attendance, perennial under-achievement and depressingly low levels of literacy and numeracy at the end of six years of primary schooling. Approximately 10,000 adolescents age 10-14 are not enrolled in school, and of the 323,000 adolescents (age 10-18) enrolled in school (1992), 4,000 dropped out annually. Moreover, 52% of primary school graduates are functionally illiterate and innumerate. The purpose of this SO is to assist children from lower income backgrounds in 72 primary schools, where performance scores are low, to improve their achievements in mathematics and reading. Eleven thousand adolescents who have dropped out or are "at-risk" of dropping out of schools will be provided with the foundation for re-instatement in school and improving their social and job skills. Twenty-eight thousand primary school students, 1900 teachers, 72 principals and 504 primary school board members and community representatives will benefit directly from the program.

Key Results: Key intermediate results leading to the achievement of this SO include: a) improved quality of teaching--to be reflected in a three percent average increase per year in the pass rates for mathematics and reading among the 28,000 students in targeted primary schools; b) increased attendance; c) increased school/parent/community involvement; and d) improved management of schools. Special attention will be given to the performance of boys as, contrary to other Latin American and Caribbean countries girls outperform boys in almost all aspects of primary schooling.

Performance and Prospects: With USAID assistance and through the development of a Local Area Network, the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), now has current reliable data on which to formulate and implement critical educational policies. The technical and administrative capabilities of 17 NGOs have been greatly strengthened to deliver services to school drop-outs in areas such as literacy; remedial, vocational, and technical education; and personal and family development. Training has also increased the potential of NGOs to access alternate sources of finances, thereby improving their potential for organizational and program sustainability. A program of innovative mathematics and literacy strategies, in-service teacher training, governance and leadership training for principals, and parenting education will be implemented through year 2000. This is expected to result in increases in literacy and numeracy among primary school students, particularly those from poor communities. Through USAID assistance, the youth unit of the GOJ programs have achieved increased capacity to develop and implement youth policies and to coordinate youth activities in the public and private sector. These programs are expected to assist the MEC in reversing the alarming 15-year downward trend in reading and mathematics scores of children in primary schools.

Possible Adjustments to Plans: After extensive consultations in 1998, USAID concluded it would separate the education and health programs into distinctive strategic objectives. This division has provided the advantage of more specificity, ease and significance of meaningful measurement of results. The new SO, "Increased literacy and numeracy in targeted primary schools," is now seen, however, as being narrow in scope and not reflective of all activities being affected by USAID's material resources in the education sector. USAID will therefore modify the SO to read "increased literacy and numeracy among Jamaican youths." This will integrate all activities in the education sector under one program with results that are linked to one strategic objective.

Other Donor Programs: The IDB funded the establishment of libraries in more than 100 primary schools, refurbished more than 42 primary schools, and revised the language arts curriculum for primary schools. In 1999, the British donor agency, Department for Foreign and International Development, will initiate a five-year in-service teacher education program in 100 primary schools complementing the 72 being supported under the USAID program. Also beginning in 1999, the Canadian International Development Agency will begin implementation of a five-year C$25,000,000 Caribbean Human Resource Development Program for Economic Competitiveness in Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean States.

Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Current contractors include: Development Associates Incorporated and Juárez and Associates Incorporated. Other development partners include the Ministry of Education and Culture, The Youth Unit of the Ministry of Local Government, Youth and Community Development, and local NGOs.

Selected Performance Measures:

	Baseline (1998)	Target (2000)	Target (2001)
Mathematics Pass Rates (%) Grade 3: Males Females	43 61	56 64	57 66
Grade 6: Males Females	45 53	48 56	51 57
Literacy Pass Rates (%) Grade 3: Males Females	51 53	54 56	57 66
Grade 6: Males Females	48 53	51 56	51 57

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