Functional Adult Education Program: The Case Of Majang National Zone

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the socio-economic contribution of integrated functional adult education to adult learners in Majang Zone, Gambella Regional State. The study used descriptive survey research design. The five kebeles and one hundred forth one learners were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Ten facilitators and five coordinators were selected using available sampling. Additionally, two supervisor, two woreda adult education experts and five-kebele chairperson were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Mixed methods of research approach were employed; both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through questionnaire (both open and close ended), interviews and document analysis. The questionnaire employed to generate quantitative and qualitative information from adult learners, facilitators and coordinators. Interview was employed to generate qualitative information from woreda adult education experts and kebele chairperson. The collected data were presented and analysed using table, frequencies and percentages. Some of the major findings were; mostly IFAE program learners have an awareness of the program and most of them devoted in attending the program, the lesson are related with their daily life but according to students response the program is not assessed continuously. Those learners who attend this program mostly benefited in improving their saving habits and productivity because, the skills from the IFAE program use as input for their success. In addition, it is also sensitize them to cooperate with the community and helps them to have a capability to solve social problems and being accountable within community. Furthermore, it helps learners to develop tolerance to living together in peace and harmony. Moreover, it also enhances them to preserve and continue good culture of the community and to remove the harmful culture of the community. However, data from respondents disclosed that there were gaps related to collaboration of stakeholders, commitment, teamwork, support and motivation, learning material and absence of facilitator training from the government and other stakeholders, were the major factors affecting the socio- economic contribution of IFAE program in Majang National Zone