Managing Non-Formal Education And Training For Rural Women In Ethiopia: Focus On 'Wereda' Integrated Basic Service Development Projects.

No Thumbnail Available

Date

1997-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The study was designed to examine the management process and constraints of NFET programs for rural women in women-only development projects of NGOs in Ethiopia. It was also intended to suggest possible solutions to the problems identified. Of the total of 17 NGOs that undertake NFET as their main activity or as part of the programs of NGO-run women-only projects in Ethiopia, 12 (70 .6) were selected by using random sampling technique. Using the same method, 130 target groups , 89 facilitators (adult educators) and 67 coordinators were proportionally selected representing the total population . To conduct this research, the descriptive survey method was used . Interview, questionnaires and documentary analysis were used to collect the necessary data. Instruments were pilot-tested and essential corrections were made before the final version was prepared. Percentile, chi-square and t-test statistical tools were employed to see percentile and mean score differences between responses . The study revealed that profound effort is being made by the NGOs to involve the target groups women in needs assessment, planning and evaluation of the NFET programs in NGO-run women-only integrated basic service development projects . However, it cannot be claimed to be fully participatory. The main management constraints are 1) lack of continuous and adequate training 2) non-participation and inadequate participation of the target groups women 3) male dominated number of facilitators , and 4) the often conflicting needs of donors, target groups and the government that challenges the NGOs in managing NFET programs for rural women in women-specific projects. Thus , it was recommended that 1) the project staff specially facilitators , coordinators and managers have to be trained in participatory management techniques of NFET programs or projects, 2) there should be continuous training opportunities for facilitators , coordinators and managers, 3) facilitators should be selected proportionally from both sexes and/ or the target groups women's preference regarding the sex of facilitators should be given priority, 4) in order to overcome the often conflicting needs of the three groups , the NGOs should study and analyze the needs (priorities) of donors and that of the government that can easily be fashioned to the needs of the target groups, and then enter into negotiations with donors and the government in order to modify the needs to fit to the needs of the target groups . In addition, NGOs should make an effort to encourage one another and create an enabling environment to develop a net-work by which they coordinate exchange of experience, disseminate new findings of research works , collectively seek solutions to common problems, train their personnel, and prepare common manuals and guides on common issues. Finally, this research can serve as a basis for those interested in conducting further investigation.

Description

Keywords

this research can serve as a basis, for those interested in conducting, further investigation

Citation