. Contribution Of Mettu University In Enhancing The Provision Of Integrated Functional Adult Education (Ifae) Program Through Community Engagement: The Case Of Ilubabor Zone

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