A note on how to use this manual
I. Main Body of the Manual
The main body of the Manual is organized into Modules. For each of the 5 modules there are four major parts:
1. Rationale and Objectives
The description of the rationale and objectives of the Module are for the facilitator to have a clear focus on the major objectives of the Module, Topics and Activities. This will help the facilitator in preparing for the topics and to put the content in context.
2. Outline of the Workshop Sessions
This consists of the Steps and the major Pointers in facilitating the content of the topics and activities. Reference is made to the Visual Aids, Cases and Standard Tools to be used in the activity.
3. Visual Aids
The Visual Aids for the Module are put together at the end of the Outline. Facilitator should prepare these on newsprint before each session.
4. Cases
The Cases are for participants to practice what they have learned. Note that there are two parts in the Cases namely: task and outputs.
II. Standard Tools for Field Workers and Women's Groups
Manual standard tools for field workers and women's groups are to be found in the Annexes. These standard tools are the Field workers' essential tools when they assist members of women's groups. During the workshop, participants should therefore make sure that they have a good understanding of these tools and on how to use them. These standard tools are the following:
1. Work Sheets for Field Workers
These include work sheets for project viability assessment, cash record, income statement and the field workers' report of the monitoring visits.
2. Business Plan Forms
The Business Plan Forms are an important tool for field workers and group members for feasibility studies purposes.
3. Group Financial Records
This is a sample of the records women's groups need for their financial administration of their savings and loans operations.
4. Loan Application Forms and Agreements
These forms and agreements are samples to be used by project management, field workers and women's groups. They form a part of the required control system in the management of the project revolving funds.
III. Evaluation Forms
The Manual Evaluation Forms for each Module are found in the last section of the Manual. Facilitators are advised to have participants fill up these forms at the end of each Module.
IV. The Workbook
The workshop has been designed in such a way as to have few lectures but many opportunities for experience sharing, simulation and other exercises with the use of case studies and other output-oriented tasks. The workbook for participants contains all the cases, exercises and tools. Participants learn through "doing and thinking" rather than through "listening and reading". The Manual proper contains the "answers" and "important pointers" as guide for Facilitators. It is therefore important that participants are not "spoon-fed" with these "answers" and "important pointers". The Manual should therefore not be given to participants until after completion of the workshop. The workbook in the Chinese version is found in the last section of the Manual. The English version contains only a table of content of the workbook.
