ADULT LITERACY PROGRAMMES FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG WOMEN IN PORT-HARCOURT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, RIVERS STATE

Background of the Study

Literacy programs for adults are extremely important in the fight against poverty, particularly for women living in underdeveloped regions at the time. The socioeconomic benefits that these programs provide to marginalized populations in Nigeria, particularly in urban and rural areas with high levels of poverty like Port-Harcourt, highlight the significance of these initiatives in the country. Literacy programs for women frequently place an emphasis on functional literacy, which is a form of literacy that combines fundamental reading and numeracy abilities with vocational training in order to enable participants to improve their employability and potential for revenue creation. According to Olojede and Dairo (2017) and Findsen (2022), this strategy is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, which place an emphasis on the importance of gender equality and quality education as precondition for the alleviation of poverty. Women in Port-Harcourt have a distinctive set of obstacles, including restricted access to education, resources, and career prospects. This is because of the huge economic disparities that exist in the city. The findings of a study conducted by Ezimah (2014) underline the fact that literacy programs that include educational and vocational components are effective in assisting participants in breaking the cycle of poverty. These programs not only improve participants' literacy abilities but also develop financial independence. Women are able to become more self-sufficient and active economic participants in their communities through the implementation of programs that teach basic reading in addition to skills such as tailoring, food processing, and small-scale commerce (Hinzen, 2018; Oyebamiji, 2019).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Port-Harcourt, adult literacy programs are intended to equip women with basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills that enable them to pursue employment, manage household finances, and participate actively in community life. However, these programs often face significant hurdles that limit their effectiveness in reducing poverty among women. One of the primary challenges is inadequate funding. Due to budget constraints, many literacy programs struggle to cover operational costs, resulting in a limited number of centers and outreach efforts. This financial shortfall restricts the program's geographical reach and ultimately reduces the number of women who can benefit from the educational opportunities provided. Additionally, limited access to funding prevents these programs from expanding to underserved or rural areas, where the need for literacy training is often most critical. Moreover, adult literacy programs in Port-Harcourt frequently suffer from a shortage of trained personnel. Qualified educators and facilitators are essential for delivering high-quality literacy education, yet many programs lack the resources to hire and retain experienced staff. The shortage of skilled instructors compromises the quality of instruction, making it difficult for participants to acquire functional literacy skills that could enhance their economic prospects. Without proper guidance from trained personnel, women may struggle to grasp and apply the knowledge and skills imparted during these programs, ultimately reducing the impact of literacy education on their lives. Another issue affecting the effectiveness of adult literacy programs in Port-Harcourt is the lack of a gender-sensitive curriculum. The existing curricula often fail to address the unique socioeconomic roles and needs of women, who typically balance multiple responsibilities within their families and communities. Literacy programs that do not align with the practical needs of these women may be less appealing and relevant to them, leading to lower enrollment and retention rates. For instance, many women require literacy skills in areas that directly affect their daily lives, such as basic financial literacy, health and wellness education, and vocational training related to income-generating activities. When these specific needs are not met, the likelihood of women benefiting from adult literacy programs diminishes, reducing the program's potential to drive sustainable poverty alleviation. These challenges underscore a critical need to evaluate the impact of adult literacy programs in Port-harcourt on poverty alleviation among women. This evaluation would provide insights into whether these programs effectively address the educational and economic needs of women or whether they require structural adjustments to enhance their relevance and effectiveness. By assessing the current challenges and potential areas for improvement, stakeholders can better understand how to develop targeted strategies to improve adult literacy programs, ultimately empowering women to break the cycle of poverty and foster economic independence. The rationale for this assessment, therefore, lies in the urgent need to address the gaps in existing adult literacy programs and to implement reforms that prioritize women’s specific educational needs and economic aspirations.

1.3 Purpose and Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study is to examine adult literacy programmes for poverty alleviation among women in Port-harcourt local government, Rivers State. Specifically, this study seeks to:

1. Find out the impact of adult literacy programs on poverty alleviation among women in Port-harcourt.

2. Ascertain the challenges affecting the implementation and effectiveness of these programs.

3. Find out strategies to improve the relevance and reach of literacy programs in Port-harcourt.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of adult literacy programs on poverty alleviation among women in Port-harcourt?

ii. What challenges affect the implementation and effectiveness of adult literacy programs in Port-harcourt?

iii. What strategies can improve the relevance and reach of literacy programs in Port-harcourt?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will contribute to the broader understanding of how targeted adult literacy programs can alleviate poverty, especially among women in low-income areas. By identifying successful practices and challenges, this research will help policymakers and educators tailor programs to improve outcomes for women, enhance program effectiveness, and potentially offer a scalable model for other regions. It will also supports the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality, quality education, and poverty reduction.

 

 

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on adult literacy programs specifically targeting women in Port-harcourt, Rivers State. It will examine various aspects of these programs, including curriculum content, delivery methods, funding sources, and participant demographics, aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of their effectiveness in poverty alleviation.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Adult Literacy Program: An educational initiative designed to improve reading, writing, numeracy, and sometimes vocational skills among adults, often with an emphasis on functional and practical knowledge.

Poverty Alleviation: Efforts and strategies aimed at reducing poverty, particularly by improving access to economic opportunities and resources.

Functional Literacy: A form of literacy education that combines basic reading and writing skills with practical vocational training, aiming to increase participants’ employability.