PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING INTEGRATED FUNCTIONAL ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM IN HARARI REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze practices and challenges in implementing integrated functional adult literacy program in Harari regional State. For this study, descriptive survey research design was employed; both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through questionnaire, interview, observation and document review. From the region, four woreda were selected using cluster, IFAL program centers were selected using simple random sampling and the facilitators and learners were selected using table of sample size determination following simple random sampling techniques of the total sample size of the two study groups; 332(92.7%), IFAL program learners and 51(100 %) facilitators filled in and returned the questionnaire. In addition, 4 woreda education coordinators, 4 experts and 10 Supervisors were interviewed. The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and chi-square test. The finding of the study indicate that mostly of the IFAL program was affected by IFAL program is planned by woredas educational expert without full participation of other stakeholders’. The planning process was carried out without need assessment of environment, the planning process was carried out without needs of the learners and the needs of large society was not considered, There is no clearly stated roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and IFAL Program was not organized through formulated legal structure from region to centers’, Only information through informing the center to learners and low level or unequal participation of stakeholders in IFAL program implementing. Therefore, to alleviate these problems, it is recommended that: there should be established participatory monitoring and evaluation system. Building sense of ownership among the society, supplying sufficient and appropriate IFAL program facilities, proper allocate budget and organizing conducive learning environment the program were suggested.