Engaging with Adults: The Case for Increased Support to Adult Basic Education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa Region Human Development Working Paper Series.

The impacts and cost-effectiveness of adult basic education (ABE) in Sub-Saharan Africa were examined in a review of the new generation of ABE programs in the region. African experts and other international resource persons examined documentation from recent adult literacy, numeracy, and other educational programs targeted toward individuals over the age of 15 years. The study revealed evidence of the following impacts of new-generation ABE programs: (1) after developing literacy skills, women were better able to support their children; (2) participants were empowered to move from being passive subjects to active citizens; (3) participants developed more effective oral and written communication skills; (4) participants with new literacy skills were healthier and raised healthier children; and (5) many participants found more productive livelihoods. The study confirmed the validity of the proposition that many of the region's new-generation ABE programs have been able to successfully address the following criticisms of ABE: (1) weak internal efficiency; (2) poor retention of literacy skills; (3) costs that are too high in relation to outcomes; and (4) adults being too old to learn. The study yielded evidence validating the proposition that ABE programs in Sub-Saharan Africa deserve strong support from the international community. (68 references) (MN)