Factors Influencing participation of learners in Adult and Continuing Education in Magumoni Division , Meru South District

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the factors which influence participation of learners in ACE in Magumoni division, Meru South District. Data was collected from 50 adult learners and 10 adult education teachers and 2 zonal adult officers using questionnaire and interview guide. The study revealed that the majority of adult learners were females which could be attributed to the fact that majority of the men are the family bread winners and have limited time to participate in the ACE. The study also revealed that the majority of the adult learners were married with family responsibilities which limited participation in ACE. The research established that that the major causes of low participation of the adult learners are; Limited time by men to participate in the ACE because majority are the bread winners, family responsibilities as a result of marital obligations, inadequate finances to pay for ACE tuition, distance from home to ACE programme, cultural factors whereby some men though illiterate do not attend the ACE programme because of the customs and the male chauvinism whereby some men feel that they are superior and do not need to attend classes together with female learners. The study recommends that the government should conduct a country wide educational campaign on the significance of ACE to enhance the participation of adult learners. The study recommends that government and other stakeholders should explore into investing in livelihood of the people of the low economic status to allow them to participate in the ACE.