Adult Literacy Programme (FALC)

The World Declaration on Education for All (EFA) – 1990 clearly announced that everyone should get an educational opportunity. It is a direct political and human-rights response to pressure arising from civil-society organizations and international organizations, among others who understand the role of education in promoting the establishment of good governance — and equitable educational access is appropriately thought to be an essential means of escape from social, economic, and political marginalization for different social groups in developing nations.

In many countries, Kenya included, pastoralist and semi-pastoralist communities like the Pokot are always prevented from participating in policy formulation, political development, and decision-making. Consequently, they are denied proper social services like education and training, water supplies, schools, and adult education programmes by the dominant sedentary groups. Thus, the marginalized people are the most severely disadvantaged groups in the acquisition of education and social service provisions.

In Kenya, the Pokot tribe from Rift Valley province is among the tribes with the highest illiteracy rate, at more than 50%. Many children in Pokot drop out of school to take care of their family livestock. Girls as young as ten are married off, thus denying them the opportunity to continue with their education. This continuing trend makes the whole community vulnerable to under-development and marginalization.

Our Functional Adult Literacy Course (FALC) will help serve the Pokot community as a springboard for social and economic change. The course is also regarded as an indispensable part of nation-building. As part of a modernization approach, it has to do with altering their traditionalistic way of life, and equipping them with knowledge and skills that can transform them socially, economically, and politically.

The programme will help equip the Pokot communities against impoverishment, and alternately help them to eradicate poverty by opening access to alternative livelihood options. In addition, adult education would help the community better equip themselves for the future, because their habitat and way of life are under threat due to climate change. The course grants an opportunity to adults who dropped out of school, and who also lack proper knowledge and skills, to manage their resources, function well in society, and also achieve their family or community development goals.

WMK will partner with stakeholders and the government to see this vision become a reality; we look forward to working with organizations and individuals who are dedicated to building our capacity in running the programme.

Financial need is paramount to make the programme successful. Volunteer teachers and donors are welcomed to partner with us. Our most important needs: three volunteer trainers; two administration staff/volunteers; in-kind donations such as computers, books, stationery, and photocopying supplies; materials for building classrooms (cement, timber, windows, etc.); and at least 40 desks and chairs for adult learners. A total of $6,000 USD is needed to jumpstart the programme and see its initial development phase through.

The figures above are quoted from the ministry’s own description of this programme on their previous website, and have not been confirmed as current. Treat them as a record of what was needed then, not a price today. Contact us to confirm current funding needs.