Women's participation in the planning and implementation of functional literacy programmes in selected skills training Centres of Lusaka District
Date
2016
Authors
Mwiinde, Moono Bester Mwendalubi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
At first glance, functional literacy appears to be a concept that provides people with the
ability to read and write. Functional literacy has been used to provide people with vocational
education that is seen to be more practical in nature and relevant to every country’s needs in
particular helping women to be empowered (Chartterjee, 2004). Surprisingly though, levels
of illiteracy have continued to increase among women. What was not known was whether or
not women participated in the planning and implementation of functional literacy
programmes.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not women participate in the planning
and implementation of Functional Literacy Programmes (FLP) in skills training centres of
Lusaka District. The study objectives were to; determine participants’ understanding of the
concept of “functional literacy”; investigate the extent to which women participate in the
planning and implementation of FLP;establish the factors hindering women’s participation in
the planning and implementation of FLP; andestablish participants’ suggested solutions on
how the challenges can be addressed.A mixed-method design was adopted to collect data. The
total sample comprised of 104 participants: 100 women answered questionnaire; 2 Service Providers
and 2 Programme Planners were interviewed.
The findings of the study revealed that, participants had an idea of the concept of functional
literacy. It was also revealed that functional literacy was understood in the manner people
defined it. The findings of the study also revealed that women were not participating in the
planning of FLP. However, it was revealed that women participated in the implementation of
the programmes through making use of the skills and knowledge acquired. Findings from
programme planners revealed that women participated in the planning and implementation of
the programmes by attending workshops and meetings. Nonetheless, Service Providers
indicated that women were not participating in the planning of the programmes. The findings
also revealed several factors that hindered women’s participation in the planning and
implementation of FLP. Solutions to address the challenges were also suggested.
The Freirian theory of conscientisation explains that levels of participation, that include:
problem identification, feasibility study, planning, implementation and evaluation.The
findings of the study did not bring out all the levels of participation. Thus, it was concluded
that women were not participating in programme planning and implementation.
Based on the findings, discussions and conclusion, the study made some recommendations
totheMinistry of Community Development and Social Welfare to formulate favourable policies that
would enable women participate fully in the planning and implementation of Functional Literacy
Programmes; further, there is need for the Ministry to promote dialogue and awareness among
women, Service Providers and Programme Planners; and increase funding to the department of
Non-Formal Education so as to undertake programmes whose objectives is to promote
women’s advancement.
Description
THESIS M.ED
Keywords
Functional literacy-Lusaka,Zambia , Literacy programs-Lusaka,Zambia , Elementary Education(Adult Education)-Lusaka,Zambia