University of South Africa (Unisa) - Socio-economic development through skills training for poverty reduction : an exploratory study of rural women in Mthatha, South Africa [PhD thesis by Sampson Tawiah]

Title:

Socio-economic development through skills training for poverty reduction : an exploratory study of rural women in Mthatha, South Africa

 

Author:

Tawiah, Sampson

 

Published:

University of South Africa (Unisa), February 2020

[Ph.D. in Educational Studies]

http://uir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/27129

Abstract:

Women constitute the largest proportion of the rural adult South African population. The rural areas host women with the lowest levels of education and skills training in the country. The lack of basic education and skills has resulted in many of them being marginalised, rejected and discriminated against, unemployed and living in poverty. These social problems have serious negative effects on them and their families, which is why the educational provision of Adult and Community Education and Training in South Africa is a significant tool for their socio-economic advancement. This educational provision is aimed at empowering adults in general, and rural women in particular, with the necessary livelihood skills to lead productive lives and consequently the study sought to investigate the socio-economic lives of rural women through skills training for poverty reduction in the Mthatha area of South Africa. A qualitative research approach and an exploratory design were employed for the study. A sample of 35 participants, comprising 20 female learners, 4 educators, and 7 former learners were in addition to 4 learners selected for a focus group discussion. Other instruments with which data were collected constituted in-depth individual interviews and documentary analysis. The theories underpinning the study are Maslow‘s theory of motivation, empowerment theory and critical pedagogy. Among others, the findings revealed the absence of adequate resources with which to empower rural women and consequently the study recommends that Adult and Community Education and Training providers include programmes that can up-skill rural women based at community learning centres in an effort to enhance their economic development. Community learning centres must be fully resourced in terms of facilities and appropriate learning tools to render Adult and Community Education and Training a beneficial educational intervention for these rurally based women.

Scholarly Article (April 2020) - The Role of Universities of Georgia in Providing Continuing Education Courses of Local Self-Government Public Servants

Title:
The Role of Universities of Georgia in Providing Continuing Education Courses of Local Self-Government Public Servants

Author:
Maka Kordzadze

Published:
World Journal of Education, Volume 10, Number 2, April 2020
https://doi.org/10.5430/wje.v10n2p69

Abstract:
"The present-day rate of development of the society and technologies in any sphere requires from the employee constant raising of qualification and gaining new knowledge and skills – continuous professional development. Life-long learning, continuing education is equally important compared with initial degree education. This leads to the necessity of ensurng continuing education in especially significant areas for the country in which the country’s  leading universities have to be actively involved. Provision of continuing education for local self- government public servants in recent years in the context of the self - government reform gained special actuality in Georgia. The aim of the article is to underline the significant role of universities of Georgia in developing and providing continuing education courses to public servants of local self-government and identifying those measures which will promote active involvement of universities in this process."