EFFECTIVENESS OF ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT AMONG THE MAASAI COMMUNITY IN ARUSHA DISTRICT COUNCIL -TANZANIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of adult education in the promoting development among Maasai community in Rural District of Arusha, Tanzania. Four research questions guided the study: How does adult education programme promote development among Maasai community in Arusha DC? What is the attitude of the people towards the implementation of adult education programme in promoting development among Maasai community in Arusha district council? What are the challenges facing the implementation of adult education programme in Arusha District council? What suggestions can be put forward to ensure effective implementation of adult education programme to promote development among the Maasai community in Arusha District council? The study was anchored in . Andragoyg theory of adult learning. The study was guided by the Convergent Parallel Mixed Method Design. The target population was all educational officers, adult educators and adult learners in the rural district of Arusha. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Research instruments were subjected to both content and face validity. Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient technique was used to test reliability for quantitative data and credibility dependability for qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 23 to generate frequencies and percentages that summarized data and presented using tables. Qualitative was analyzed using content analysis based on themes and presented in narratives and direct quotes. Key findings showed that adult literacy has been effective in economic development whereby learners acquired skills that enabled them to start income generating activities. Adult literacy improved learners’ social development by enabling learners to communicate and interact well in social activities. Literacy equipped the community with knowledge of the dangers of female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices which are being eradicated gradually. The study concluded that adult literacy is very effective in economic, social, cultural and political development. Negative attitude towards adult education, inadequate funding from the government, domestic work load and age disparity hindered effective implementation of adult education programmes. The study recommended that government provides instructional materials (modules), equipment and library services for adult learners. Instil positive attitudes towards education through guidance and counselling for men to accept female teachers.