A Study on the Current Practice of the Non- formal Education Programmes in the Community Learning Centres in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to conduct a scene survey of the current practice of the income-generating programmes in the Community Learning Centres. Information was gathered from the participants, instructors, project officers and the directors of zonal and provincial departments to achieve the objective of this study. The findings of this study will help in the policy formulation and enable comprehensive systematic intervention for effective implementation of income-generating programmes in the Community Learning Centres. Several data collecting instruments were used in gathering information. Questionnaires and interviews were used mostly. In addition to them secondary sources published by the NFE unit, Ministry of Education and the other provincial departments were referred to identify the policy and procedure of IGPs in the CLCs.

Two sets of questionnaires were administered to collect data from the sample of participants and the instructors of the CLCs. Interviews were held with project officers and directors of zonal and provincial educational departments with an aim to identify the planning, implementing and monitoring processes of IGPs in the CLCs.

Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were used to present and interpret the data gathered through the above instruments. Some of the findings from this study are stated below.

As revealed in the literature review, UNESCO has formulated some policy framework in relation to the CLC programme. Although, Sri Lanka has agreed to follow those policy and procedures in their CLC programme, they are not proceeding properly and efficiently in this.

Steps taken to make the community aware of the income generating programmes in the Community Learning Centres were not adequate and effective. The strategy that was used to inform the people on CLC programmes was conveying the massage through the current participants.

Sufficient information was not provided on marketing demand within and outside the community.

Needs assessments done on the existing resources available in the community were not conducted properly and adequately.

The attention paid to develop basic and higher occupational skills of the participants, including entrepreneurial and marketing skills (development of curriculum, programmes, and training manual and learning materials) was not sufficient.

Follow-up services provided, for self-employment and wage employment through placement, credit facilities, co-operatives and marketing outlets were not satisfactory and the facilities available in the community learning centres were not adequate.

Following recommendations can be made according to the findings of this research.

More effective advocacy of CLC has to be conducted to increase public and community awareness and to encourage more community commitment and participation.

A network of satellites has to be established in some remote hamlets to encourage more people participation in IGPs in the CLCs

CLC executive committees have to be established and strengthened for more effective management and operation of IGPs through Assisting project officers in identifying the real needs of the community and designing an appropriate income generating programme for their CLCs, introducing a market place, strengthening relation ship between the CLCs and other development agencies, fulfilling necessary resources in the CLCs and by conducting regular needs assessments to ensure the IGPs responsive to promote life standard of the community and to address directly on community’s problems and issues.