THE PERFORMANCE OF FACILITATORS IN THE FUNCTIONAL LITERACY PROGRAMME OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The facilitator is a change agent operating in his or her community to bring structural and functional changes that lead to qualitative improvement in the lives and living conditions of his or her clients. This paper examines the role of the volunteer facilitators in the Upper East Region of Ghana under the National Functional Literacy Programme being implemented by the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports. The study examines the characteristic background of the facilitators, the training they received and the motivation and logistics for their work in relation to the impact of their work within their communities. The study suggests that sufficient training and motivation are necessary ingredients for effective job performance. It further suggests that the implementation of a development programme at the community or grassroots level should not be left in the hands of volunteers alone. Paid programme officers should also leave their offices and actively engage the community in their development efforts.