An assessment of the factors hindering men’s participation in functional adult literacy classes in Wera Sub-County, Amuria District

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the factors that hinder the participation of the men in the FAL program in Wera Sub-county, Amuria District. The study was guided by three specific objectives, which are; to establish the level of men’s participation in the FAL programme; to assess the barriers of male participation in the FAL programme and to identify strategies for improving male participation in the FAL programme. The researcher used a case study research design and qualitative research approach in the collection, presentation and data analysis of the findings. The population of the study comprised of adults who were participating in FAL classes (both Males and Females), tutors in FAL classes, the NGO’s supporting FAL, elders, community leaders, political and religious leaders, and other community members and stake holders. The researcher used Focus Group Discussion and Interview methods. The purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the 80 respondents that constituted the sample size of the research. Findings confirmed that the level of participation of the men in the FAL programme is very low. According to the study findings, it was clear that the low men’s participation in FAL programmes can be attributed to different reasons, including learning difficulties, illness, social and business commitments, failure to afford requirements, lack of materials and facilities, lack of confidence on the part of some men, and family constraints. The following strategies were suggested to improve their participation; regular monitoring and supervision by government /NGO partners, need to increase government and NGO support, especially in provision of educational materials and construction of classrooms. Additionally, there is a need for training of FAL instructors, provision of loans/funds for IGAs/VSLAs, provision of learners with improved seeds, need to attach learning to projects/ form groups, and rewarding and giving them incentives. The researcher recommends that the Government and the Civil Society organizations should work jointly to support the FAL education through encouraging men to take part in the FAL Programme. It was also recommended that the district leaders through the education vote and department, should budget funds to sensitize the public on the values of men being involved in FAL programmes, through organizing Radio talk shows and village outreaches visits