This dissertation represents an instance of evaluation research and an embedded case study of a Catholic nonformal education and social action program in Vicosa, a city in the interior of Brazil. Named Associacao Assistencial e Promocional da Pastoral da Oracao de Vicosa (APOV), the program is devoted to the spiritual and temporal welfare of the poor inhabitants of the neighborhood of Nova Vicosa, 500 of whom currently participate in its activities. Founded in 1980 as a prayer group, APOV gradually evolved increasingly complex education and community development functions and has developed into a full-blown nonformal education strategy. / Data concerning the historical evolution of the program and concerning its current context, resources, processes, results and impact of the program are assembled in the dissertation through a combination of participant observation, document review and field surveys carried out by the researcher over a three-year period. This multiple evidence of APOV's operation is first analyzed from an evaluative or "internal" point of view to see how closely implementation and achievements fit with intentions, what factors explain discrepancies observed, and what lessons the program has learned in the process of its own growth and development. Next the results of the research are contrasted with insights and assertions about nonformal education in Latin American development and the dynamics of Catholic social action drawn from the abundant literature on these topics. / Though APOV follows no detailed and predetermined model, the program generally achieves its intended goals in the areas of individual religious and psychological development. In addition, an impressive quantity of social services is provided to its impoverished clientele, and--given the volunteer labor involved--this is done in a very cost-effective fashion. The program has to date been less successful at addressing the root causes of poverty, durably eliminating it in Nova Vicosa, or promoting full ownership or "empowerment" among its clientele. Recommendations are made in conclusion regarding possible improvements in the program's strategy and further research topics. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-12, Section: A, page: 4636. / Major Professor: Peter A. Easton. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1995.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77614 |
| Contributors | Gareau, Edna C. A., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 409 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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