A study of effectiveness and process of adult literacy education programme in Kenya: a case study of Kisumu and Siaya Districts Of Nyanza Province

Abstract

This study was a survey of the effectiveness and process of adult literacy education programme in Kenya- A case study of Kisumu and Siaya Districts of Nyanza Province.The objectives of this study were to; (a) explore the extent to which adult literacy education programme has contributed to socio- economic wellbeing of its graduates and impact on the community as a whole. (b) examine the achievement of adult literacy education programme. (c) find out the extent to which the Adult Literacy education Graduates use the knowledge and skills they have gained through the"programme. (d) appraise and evaluate to what extent adults can read, write and calculate given their brief training. Data were collected by means of Library research, field visits, interviews, observation, focus group discussions, documentary analysis and triangulation. The population for the study consisted of 1 Provincial, 2 District and 6 Divisional Adult Education Officers, 83 Adult Literacy Education. Teachers and 360 Adult Literacy Education Graduates. According to the findings, there is confusion about pol icy and programme management. Found to be lacking were local support and involvement, professional training and low qualifications on the part of teachers, resources, curriculum design and proficiency examinations. Other weaknesses in the programme included low staff morale and commitment; low enrollments, poor terms and conditions of service for teachers, short period of illiteracy elimination, poor teaching "methods, inadequate evaluation and cordination Among suggested other regular recommendations, the researcher in-service training for Adult Literacy Education Teachers, reorganization of schemes of service, conduction of regular workshop and seminars; revival of the Diploma course in Adult Education and alternative production materials especially community based of low-cost It was also recommended that there should be clearly spelt-out policy objectives, realistic district financial allocation and evaluation "criteria, regular supervision and rescheduling of classes to weekends or holidays during term time. Adults should be encouraged to attend literacy classes and lastly, Adult Literacy Education Teachers should be exposed to modern methods of teaching.