The post-literacy perceptions of newly literate adult learners at a rural community learning centre

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Literature suggests that post-literacy (PL) is a seriously under-researched field inmost African countries including South Africa. From the literature, it also becameevident that, if PL is not viewed as a government priority, a gap will continue to existbetween what PL programmes offer, and what the newly literate adults may need.Various authors emphasise the importance of PL to prevent relapsing into illiteracy,the applicability of PL in enhancing everyday private and occupational life, as well asthe potential contribution of PL to poverty reduction, social, economic and politicaldevelopment and in sustaining communities. The aim of this study was to identify thePL perceptions of newly literate adults in the PL programme at the SimondiumCommunity Learning Centre (SCLC) in the Western Cape of South Africa. A basicqualitative research approach to collect data was undertaken. During the dataproduction ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, with the individualparticipant as the unit of analysis. All interviews were recorded digitally (using a taperecorder) and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was done using the HyperQualcomputer programme to identify, retrieve, isolate and regroup data. The results andconclusions of data based on the literature studied and findings of the study indicatea learner-centred PL programme is required which focuses mainly on non-formal andvocational programmes for sustaining communities and economic development.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University