Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of non-governmental organizations in the implementation of Integrated Functional Adult Education program in Gambella national regional state. The study employed descriptive design and mixed approach. Simple random and proportional sampling techniques were used in this study. Closed-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected from 275 respondents selected from facilitators, education experts and officials, and NGO experts and officials. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation; and inferential statistics including correlation, regression, and ANOVA were used to analyze quantitative data collected for the study. Qualitative data collected by semi-structured interview and focus group discussion were analyzed using codes and themes. The major findings of the study were the involvement of integration sectors was weak; lacks its own structure in the education system; lack of qualified program facilitators, experts, and leaders; lack of allocation of necessary resources to the implementation of the program; the contribution of NGOs to the implementation of the program was moderate; lack of qualified professionals in the field of IFAE assigned to the program; and contribution of NGOs and challenges hindering contribution of NGOs do not have significant impact on the implementation of IFAE program in Gambella national regional state. Based on the mean and standard deviation results it can be concluded that contribution of NGOs in the implementation of IFAE program is moderate in Gambella national regional state. Based on the major findings and conclusions drawn, the following recommendations were made: due attention should be given to IFAE program by Gambella national regional state in planning, coordinating, allocating the necessary resources, and involving the integration sectors in the implementation of IFAE program; and the national regional state should focus on the government sectors’ (integration sectors’) roles for the effective implementation of the IFAE program.
