1. Opportunities to Use Family Resource for Reading in the Developing Countries of Africa.
- Author
-
McSwain, Martha I. B.
- Abstract
As the strongest, most cohesive, and most viable societal unit, the African family has a great impact on literacy and reading. Many different types of family structure exist in Africa, and individuals frequently feel a strong sense of responsbility for the children of their servants and for members of their age, ethnic, religious, and social groups. Children are considered a valuable family resource, with male children regarded as a special asset (although females are regarded highly among the few matrilineal groups); elders are held in high esteem; and money is scarce. Parents' attitudes toward reading and education are highly positive. Among the resources that bring the language of literacy into the home are fathers, other adult models, siblings, and the radio. In cases where a family can afford to send only some children to school, those who attend school can bring limited functional literacy to adults in the extended family. Age groups have contributed greatly to educational development. Inequities exist among ethnic groups, due to the rejection by some groups of the language of literacy. (Two stories are included: one showing how a school girl has transmitted medical and agricultural information to adults in her village, and another written by a school boy about his first day at school.) (GW)
- Published
- 1978