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The Education of Adults Contributes to the
Education of Children
Educated adults are generally in a better
position to help with the education of their children. They tend to send
children to school, to discuss their school day with them, and to assist
them with homework activities. Many adults attend Adult Literacy
and Non Formal Education programs
for the primary purpose of supporting their children's education. Attendance at school is often greatly improved
when at least one parent has had some form of education, including
participation in Adult Literacy and Non Formal Education programs. Mothers are particularly influential in
the education of their children since they are typically the primary
caretakers and spend the most time with their children.
| The Case of Nepal:
Studies conducted in Nepal showed that
illiterate mothers, mothers involved in basic education courses, and post-literacy course mothers all had high proportions of their
children enrolled in school prior to the entry of mothers into
education courses (65%, 77% and 81%, respectively). At the
completion of the mothers' education courses, the proportion
of children enrolled in school grew to even higher numbers (86%
and 91%, respectively). However, the proportion of children
of illiterates remained stagnant at 67%. Similar differences
occurred with children's regular attendance at school and with
children's progress in class.
(Burchfield
,1997, p.89-90) |
| The Case of Uganda:
In Uganda, communities participating in adult education
programs (Reflect Programs) increased their enrollments at
government primary schools by 22 percent. Communities that
did not participate in adult education programs increased their
primary school enrollment by only 4 percent. Schools
established by communities that lacked a government school more
than doubled their enrollments, with a particular increase in the
enrollment of girls. In addition, one-third of the sample
communities established nursery schools for younger children and
paid adult education facilitators to operate them.
(Archer and
Cottingham, 1996, p. 76) |
References
- Archer,
D.; Cottingham, S. (1996). Action Research Report on REFLECT. London: Overseas Development
Administration.
- Burchfield,
S.A.(1997). An Analysis of the Impact of Literacy on Women’s
Empowerment in Nepal, ABEL Monograph series, Washington D.C.,
Academy for Educational Development.
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