Adult Education Perception and How It Is Helping People

Joseph Masonda

Importance of Education

Before diving deep into Adult and Non-Formal Education, it’s crucial to recognize how impactful education is to every human on earth as a fundamental right and a powerful driver of development. Education stands as one of the strongest tools for reducing poverty and advancing health, gender equality, peace, and stability.

An educated society is more likely to experience economic growth because it keeps learning, researching, and making effective use of its resources while staying innovative. Countries with higher literacy rates often enjoy better economic conditions.

Overview of Adult and Non-Formal Education

Education doesn't necessarily have to take place within the formal school system; it can also occur outside of it. That is where Adult Education comes along, it is an educational system designed to provide learning opportunities for adults, tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. This can involve efforts to enhance literacy, develop skills, expand knowledge, and cultivate personal abilities that contribute to societal development.

In general, this form of education is referred to as Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE). While the terminology may vary among different contexts, the primary focus remains the same.

Background/History of ANFE

The concept of adult education isn’t new. Its origins trace back to ancient Greece, where philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle, Heraclitus, and Seneca championed lifelong learning. They saw education as a continuous process, not limited to youth but extending into adulthood.

These ideas evolved further through social revolutionaries like Comenius (Komensky) and Krupska, who emphasized educating adults to empower them for social and economic change.

Adult Education in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Significant advancements in adult education occurred between the 18th and 19th centuries following the Industrial Revolution, when the demand for highly skilled workers surged dramatically. During this period, the foundations of adult education institutions were established, including workers’ colleges, educational associations, university extensions, and boarding schools for adult training.

Perception of ANFE in Tanzania

Since Tanzania’s independence, education has been a cornerstone of national development, tied to goals like citizen empowerment and economic progress. At independence in 1961, the illiteracy rate stood at a staggering 75%. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the Father of the Nation, insisted that development hinged on an educated, skilled populace, making adult education a national priority.

Today, ANFE is widely accepted in Tanzania, but cultural barriers like stigma around adult learning still persist in some communities

Challenges that come with illiteracy

In the 21st century, illiteracy remains one of the biggest problems in the world, with a profound impact on individuals, communities, and nations. Its effects ripple through nearly every facet of life. Even in our highly modernized society, illiteracy persists, affecting both personal well-being and a country’s broader success.

For individuals, illiteracy complicates everyday tasks—like reading a medical prescription—often preventing sustainable livelihoods. Key challenges include

  • Economic Impact:

    • Limited Employment Opportunities: Illiteracy restricts job opportunities and often leads to lower-income employment or unemployment.

    • Reduced Economic Growth: A large illiterate population can hinder overall economic development and productivity.

  • Social Impact:

    • Increased Crime Rates: Individuals facing limited options for legitimate employment may turn to illegal activities.

    • Social Instability: Illiteracy can contribute to social unrest and instability by creating a sense of marginalization and disenfranchisement.

  • Understanding of surroundings:

    • Difficulty accessing and comprehending written information: Limits engagement with essential resources.

    • Limited ability to stay informed about current events: Reliance on oral sources restricts broader awareness.

    • Social stigma and isolation: Challenges in communication and participation foster exclusion.

  • Specific Challenges in Tanzania: In Tanzania, limited funding and rural access remain key barriers to overcoming illiteracy

Interventions done in ANFE to meet those challenges

After the independence, the Tanzanian government launched various adult education programs, such as:

  • "Kupanga ni Kuchagua" (Planning is Choosing), introduced in the 1960s, to educate people about the five-year development plan.

  • "Uamuzi ni Wako" (The Decision is Yours) in 1970, aimed at preparing people for elections.

  • "Pesa ni Afya, Chakula ni Maisha" (Money is Health, Food is Life) in the 1970s, focused on educating people about infectious diseases and prevention methods.

Establishment of the Institute of Adult Education

The Institute of Adult Education (IAE) was founded in 1960 as an extramural studies unit under Makerere University and later became an independent institution under Parliamentary Act No. 12 of 1975. The IAE is tasked with providing adult education, conducting research, and training adult education instructors. It is one of the few institutions of its kind in Africa and significantly contributes to the advancement of adult education in Tanzania.

Adult Education Programs in Tanzania

Through the Institute of Adult Education, the government has initiated several programs, including:

  1. ICBAE (1993) – A program aimed at increasing access to basic education for adults and youth who missed out on primary education. Since its inception, the programme has increased access to basic adult education, offering educational opportunities to approximately 14,000,000 young people and adult learners

  2. MEMKWA (1999) – A basic education initiative for those who missed out earlier.

  3. MECHAVI (2018) – An integrated education program for out-of-school youth, offering second-chance education and essential skills for those aged 14 to 19.

  4. Alternative Secondary Education – A program enabling youth and adults who missed secondary education opportunities to access it through alternative pathways.

Immediate outcomes of ANFE

Fordham (1993) argues that ANFE should prioritize learners’ interests, with learners ideally shaping the curriculum and organization. This “bottom-up” approach empowers individuals to understand—and potentially transform—their social structures.

Key outcomes include:

  • Sustainable Livelihood Skills: ANFE equips people with tools for economic development while preserving resources for future generations, fostering dignity and self-reliance.

  • Functional Knowledge: It builds social, civic, and cultural skills, enhancing community relationships and encouraging consensus-building to resolve conflicts and promote inclusion.

Impact of ANFE to peoples lives

ANFE transforms lives by opening doors to economic improvement, better health, and social engagement. Vocational training and literacy programs boost earnings and job security. For example, a farmer named Amina who received training through ANFE and doubled her income by selling crops.

Beyond economics, ANFE enhances health and mental well-being, with participants reporting improvements in both. Socially, it fosters community ties, tolerance, and civic responsibility. It also supports educational progression and positive parenting, benefiting future generations.

In short, ANFE catalyzes personal and societal growth, empowering individuals for fuller, more productive lives.

Challenges in ANFE

Despite successes, ANFE faces hurdles in resource availability, community engagement, and training quality. Strengthening it requires more investment in resources, leadership training for educators, and greater community involvement.

Future of ANFE in Tanzania

Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE) in Tanzania is poised for an exciting future. As technology advances, tools like mobile learning platforms could bring education to even the most remote villages, making it easier for adults to learn at their own pace. With continued government support and growing community involvement, ANFE can address remaining challenges like resource shortages and educator training.

Looking ahead, ANFE has the potential to not only boost Tanzania’s economy but also strengthen its communities by empowering individuals with skills, confidence, and a voice. By investing in this vital system, Tanzania can build a future where lifelong learning lifts everyone up—creating a nation of healthier, happier, and more connected citizens ready to shape a brighter tomorrow.

Narrative by Joseph Masonda and Matteo Mwita, DVV International East Africa; photos by Joseph Masonda for DVV International