Educationist calls for holistic adult literacy education

Mrs Susan D. Berdie, Acting Eastern Regional Director of Non-Formal Education, has called for a holistic approach to adult literacy education to address poverty, inequality, economic and social disempowerment.

She said adult education could help promote active citizenship and peace in democratic societies and that it could be an important intervention mechanism in addressing social and political challenges.

Mrs Berdie made the call at the 10th anniversary and graduation ceremony of the All Nations International Development Agency (ANIDA) and Women’s Development Center (WDC) under the theme; “Celebrating 10 Years of Women Empowerment through Education.’’

She called for the tackling of children, youth and adult illiteracy at the same time to help eradicate illiteracy in Ghana.

Mrs Berdie advised the grandaunts to realise that empowerment was not an event but a lifetime process that must continue and be carried on to benefit others.

Madam Mavis Ama Frimpong, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, tasked the grandaunts to use their skills and knowledge acquired to make an impact in society and help support vulnerable people.

She called on other organisations in the country to emulate the achievement of ANIDA-WDC, adding that government could not handle it alone.

Dr Samuel Donkor, President of ANIDA said women were essential in the development of communities and households and the basis for the establishment of ANIDA-WDC to help change their plight through empowerment.

He said through empowerment, the women were motivated to break some of the barriers they faced in the society and motivated to play vital roles in development.

He said there were 235 students currently on free enrolment at the WDC under the sponsorship of ANIDA and encouraged others to take advantage of the programme.

In all, 48 students graduated from the ANIDA-WDC with 41 being females and seven males after undergoing three years course in programs such as Basic Business Skills, Good Parenting Skills, Hairdressing and English Language.