Challenges the prevailing view that educational effectiveness in Third World countries is related to school-based factors rather than student background variables. Uses a study of academic achievement in 32 Zimbabwean schools to illustrate the use of a multilevel regression model for school effectiveness research. Contains 42 references. (SV)

Descriptions of minicourses offered to librarians in Papua New Guinea include course content and objectives, the frequency of course offerings, and participation in minicourses. Participant and teacher evaluations of the minicourses and their implications for future course offerings are discussed. (seven references) (CLB)

A total of 267 Nigerian mothers with children under the age of five years were investigated regarding the degree of their awareness and acceptance of oral rehydration therapy in the treatment of childhood diarrhea. Results indicate that only 39 percent of the mothers had heard of ORT in treating diarrhea. (RJC)

Discusses how the issues of African hunger may be taught. Notes that this topic crosses disciplinary boundaries and provides background information relative to the hunger situation in Africa. Describes the perspectives on African hunger as being externalist, internalist, or environmental. Suggests strategies for teaching about African hunger. (KO)

Suggests alternative ways to advance knowledge about the reasons why people in the Caribbean are under-nourished. Argues for replacing quantitative surveys that focus on using the methodology of one discipline with L. Joy's (1979) "repeated scenarios" crossing disciplinary boundaries around which theorizing can begin. (GG)

Seven articles discuss topics related to information activities supported by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC): (1) background on the Information Science Division; (2) advances in information technology; (3) the role of information specialists; (4) information networking in Latin America; (5) reaching information users; (6)…

Compares U.S., Latin American, and Caribbean editors, examining their evaluations of world press problems to understand their underlying news values and perceptions of the role of the press in society. Finds that U.S. and Latin American editors see press freedom as an important world problem but differ on developmental journalism. (MM)

Applies international labor standards to results of the International Labour Office's special public works programs to discover whether program intentions have been met. Finds that while productive employment has been pursued, popular participation is not occurring and such issues as (1) forced labor, (2) child employment, and (3) inequality of…

Explains how international development projects shaped and often distorted organizational aspects of the Liberian education system from 1972 to 1985. Examines the fragmenting effects of policy conflicts among and within development agencies, of the typical structure of educational development projects, and of competition for funds. Contains 42…

Identifies the main educational issues in Africa today as stagnation of enrollments and erosion of quality. Outlines policy strategies involving adjustment to demographic and fiscal realities, revitalization of the educational infrastructure, and selective expansion of services. Discusses the role of the international donor community. (SV)

Criticizes the World Bank report for (1) its neglect of African educational research; (2) recommended input-focused monitorial strategies to improve schooling that ignore curriculum and instructional issues; and (3) recommended cost-sharing and cost-recovery measures that finance qualitative improvements but erode quantitative gains in equitable…

Comments on World Bank report. Emphasizes the importance of raising teacher morale and motivation, providing primary education to the most deprived groups, and continuing technical and managerial training needed for Africa's development. Disagrees with the Bank's view that decentralization and school autonomy would improve administrative…

Describes the actions taken by a Nigerian university library to recover stolen books from students, library personnel, and external library users. The discussion covers the extent and methods of book theft discovered, disciplinary actions taken, preventive measures adopted by the library, and recommendations for further security measures. (CLB)

Argues that an effective industrialization strategy must include measures to improve the lot of rural workers and keep them in the countryside. Suggests a combination of measures to increase the flexibility of real urban industrial wages and to create income-generating opportunities for the rural poor. (Author)

Discusses issues which concern children born to families in developing countries. Focuses on: (1) population impact on children; (2) family planning; (3) infant feeding; (4) oral rehydration therapy and immunizations; and (5) education. (RJC)