Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to investigate the contribution of Mettu University in enhancing the
provision of Integrated Functional Adult Education (IFAE) through community engagement. The
research suggested ways of improving the existing practice of integrated functional adult education
programs by linking Universities’ professionals to share their expertize knowledge. Descriptive survey
design was used and qualitative methods of data collection were utilized. The target population of this
research consisted of IFAE facilitators, experts from five woredas found in Ilu Ababora zone, MeU’s
administrative, MeU’s AECD department head and teachers. Accordingly, 107 IFAL Program center
Facilitators and 13 program coordinators from the five woredas were selected as sample by using simple
random sampling technique, 3 MeU administrative, 1 AECD department head and 5 AECD department
teachers as well as 5 zonal education experts were selected by using purposive sampling. The data
collection instruments that used were questionnaire, focus group discussion, interview, and document
analysis. The quantitative information obtained through questionnaire was analyzed by using frequency
count and percentage. On the other hand, the qualitative information obtained by using open ended
questionnaire, focus group discussion, interview, and document analysis were expressed through
descriptive statements, interpreted and supplemented with the quantitative data. The study indicated that,
Mettu University recognizes community service as a key area of activity so as to share a high level of
expertise with the community. Based on the finding, it was concluded that even if MeU has done a lot for
the development of the local community through its community engagement activities, its contribution is
at low status with regard to its support to the provision of IFAE. MeU’s AECD department has also
contributed less as its interaction is limited to inside the campus. Although MeU has included an issue of
Andragogy in its community engagement thematic area, its intervention is not effective from IFAE
perspective. As a result of this IFAE facilitators and coordinators have undesirable attitude toward this
university including AECD department. Based on the findings, it was recommended that MeU should
integrate an issue of IFAE in its community engagement practices to support this program. More work is
expected from AECD department professionals to share their knowledge to the community outside of the
academia and create meaningful relationship with education office experts to work together to solve the
challenges existing in the implementation of IFAE
