Summary of publication

The purpose of the review was to provide illustrations and/or evidence of the contributions made by the Australia Awards program to African development through the work of Alumni. The review sought to understand the results of the program from the perspective of Alumni, their supervisors and associates, and then to clarify outcomes achieved at the individual, organisational and societal levels.

Overwhelmingly Alumni are very positive. The program has realised an extensive set of outcomes at the individual level, and a reasonable and smaller range of results at the organisational and societal level. A number of general findings emerged, including:

• Almost all Alumni affirmed increased confidence in their knowledge and professional skills as a result of their studies in the program.
• There is strong indication of adoption and adaptation of relevant Australian practices to local contexts - most evident in conservation agriculture (Kenya), post-harvest production (Ghana and Kenya), public health strategies and policies (Zambia and Botswana) and project and personnel management (all countries).
• The Workplan on Return (WPR) is a significant factor in ensuring an Alumni's smooth transition back into the employing organisation.

• Project management, leadership, change management and other 'soft skills' were perceived as significant benefits of the award studies.

Some challenges and constraints faced by Alumni included:

• Short or unclear timeframes between key dates in the scholarship and fellowship awards cycle e.g. due date of applications, notification of award, mobilisation, departure from Australia post-studies.
• Masters Alumni tended to have some difficulty in reintegrating back into Ministries, often due to their younger age, relatively junior roles in the employing organisation, and duration away from work. This was not generally the case with short course awards Alumni who were often older, more senior in the workplace and away from it for a relatively short period.

Employing organisations that derived more significant benefits from the program often had common characteristics including:

• Supervisors who took a strong interest in the participant's 'journey'.
• Work units that had clear priorities, work plans and programs.

Full publication

• Australia Awards Africa Program: review of development contributions of Alumni in six African countries [PDF 227 KB]
• Australia Awards Africa Program: review of development contributions of Alumni in six African countries [DOCX 130 KB]