NON-FORMAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME AS A FACTOR FOR IMPROVING INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES IN THE ASHANTI BEKWAI MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

Non-Formal Education Programme is meant to enhance the knowledge and skills of beneficiaries to improve upon their income generating activities. The study builds on concepts in Freirean literacy theory and Critical cultural view of literacy theory to examine, how beneficiaries of the Non-Formal Education programme are employing literacy skills and income generating activities learnt. The research design was based on qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 99 respondents from Kwamang, Bekwai-Zongo and Essumenja communities. The in-depth interview, observation and questionnaire methods were employed to gather data. The study found that beneficiaries of literacy programme were equipped with the literacy skills of reading, writing and calculation which improved their income generating activities. They also acquired the knowledge and skills in life skills and health issues, income generating skills and civic education to promote their income generating activities. Beneficiaries have used the literacy knowledge and skills to enhance their income generating activities. Beyond the economic benefits, they have obtained health benefits, gained self-confidence and have realized the need to perform their civic rights and responsibilities. Beneficiaries were also saddled with challenges with respect to inaccessibility of credit, inadequate market for their products and inadequate labour- saving technologies. It is recommended that beneficiaries are involved in Micro-Credit Activities which will assist and empower them. Civil Society Organizations should partner Non-Formal Education Programme providers in assisting beneficiaries. Finally, there should be regular updating of knowledge and skills of beneficiaries, in areas of business development, entrepreneurship skills, and marketing among others. This training can be done by officials of the NFED, in collaboration with the Business Advisory Center of NBSSI.