Focus on Adult Readers: RAN Programs and Resources
RAN takes the position that adult literacy education is a critical element in improving a people’s livelihood, especially the poor. Adult literacy facilitates an “empowerment effect”—that
learners acquire enhanced confidence which translates into social resources
that help them take initiatives to improve
their livelihoods. Facilitating the creation of adult readers also creates literacy and numeracy
skills that give a clear advantage in market transactions for both the formal and
the informal economy. This is especially important
for cultivating entrepreneurship.
RAN advocates that adult literacy must respect the context of adult learners so that adult literacy programs must provide strategies that incorporate “functional” knowledge such as income-generating projects.
As such, RAN offers a variety of resources to assist in developing adult literacy/education strategies and, to support practicing adult education teachers in their ongoing professional development.
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RAN Advocacy
Communities, as well as administrative and political authorities, should always be involved in adult education programs and their participation encouraged.
To succeed, adult literacy projects must be demand driven. Their content should strongly reflect the problems, needs, interests and aspirations articulated by the direct beneficiaries themselves.
RAN designs its adult literacy strategy as an organic outgrowth from its continuing and permanent education programs. Adult literacy is seen as being integrated with survival and income generating skills. This strategy helps to emphasize more directly and sharply why the program is relevant to potential participants.
