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1. Poverty Alleviation and Integrated Service Delivery: Literacy, Early Child Development and Health (EJ793417)
Author(s):
Nordtveit, Bjorn Harald
Source:
International Journal of Educational Development, v28 n4 p405-418 Jul 2008
Pub Date:
2008-07-00
Pub Type(s):
Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Peer-Reviewed:
Yes
Descriptors: Family Planning; Poverty; Females; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Pregnancy; Educational Quality; Adults; Children; Foreign Countries; Literacy Education; Foreign Policy; Integrated Services; Literacy; Case Studies; Developing Nations; Educational Development; Educational Environment; Early Intervention; Nutrition Instruction; Health Promotion; Health Services; Economic Development; Program Effectiveness; Program Improvement; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS); Child Development
Abstract: This paper argues that many internationally financed literacy programs do not sufficiently take into consideration important daily life issues of the learners, including nutritional deficiencies that may hinder learning, or of children-parent-society interactions that may improve learning. As a result, many programs have become synonymous with increased supply of a low-quality education. Often, these programs address almost exclusively Education for All (EFA) international policy targets, without sufficiently addressing other poverty alleviation targets, as defined by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This paper further contends that approaches that would generate the greatest effects within an EFA-perspective may not be the best way to alleviate poverty within a MDGs-perspective. Based on a case study of a women's literacy program in Senegal, this paper proposes to look at needs within an MDG perspective, and to use multi-pronged and integrated approaches to intervene in sectors where the poverty alleviation impact is the greatest. Current achievements against the MDG indicators show that significant efforts are needed to reduce maternal and child mortality, boost primary school enrollments, and remove obstacles so that a greater number of girls can attend school. One important target group for promoting greater achievements against these indicators would be young adults living in poverty, especially girls and young women. An approach that combines youth and family literacy, early child development (ECD), as well as health and nutrition interventions, could help to break a cycle of poverty that is fundamentally intergenerational in nature. Further, it is argued that integration of these different interventions, which are usually offered as separate services (but addressing essentially the same target group) could be more cost-effective than implementing each component as separate projects. Accordingly, this paper recommends the integration of such services as nutritional training for youth and adults; information and services for family planning; training on STD/HIV prevention and management; access to immunization for children and pregnant women; assistance to obtain antenatal registration and care as well as training and treatment of existing and non-complex conditions; and, if needed, micro-nutrient supplementation. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
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2. Exploring Literacy and Growth: An Analysis of Three Communities of Readers in Urban Senegal (EJ817423)
Shiohata, Mariko
International Journal of Educational Development, v29 n1 p65-72 Jan 2009
2009-01-00
Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Reading Materials; Literacy Education; Foreign Countries; Literacy; Economic Development; Case Studies; Urban Environment; Student Interests; Student Motivation; Educational Policy; Educational Strategies
Abstract: This paper consists of two parts. The first part reviews how the arguments supporting literacy education have changed over the last five decades. Although there has been a shift in emphasis from economic to socio-cultural and personal dimensions, literacy is still considered mainly as an instrument for economic growth and poverty alleviation. The second part presents a case study of three different establishments which provide reading materials in urban Senegal. The analysis indicates that people are more likely to practise reading when they have access to materials which genuinely interest them. These materials are not necessarily about development or livelihood--themes often judged as "appropriate" for socio-economic growth by policy makers and practitioners. People read stories and history books for their own pleasure--rather than out of a sense of duty--to transcend the mundane routine of their daily lives. This "reading for pleasure" aspect needs to be taken more account of in literacy education. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
3. Gender Aspects of Human Security (EJ811548)
Moussa, Ghada
International Social Science Journal, v59 ns1 p81-100 Sep 2008
2008-09-00
No
Descriptors: Conferences (Gatherings); Females; Civil Rights; Gender Discrimination; International Law; International Organizations; Violence; Safety; Social Justice; Influences
Abstract: The chapter deals with the gender dimensions in human security through focusing on the relationship between gender and human security, first manifested in international declarations and conventions, and subsequently evolving in world women conferences. It aims at analysing the various gender aspects in its relation to different human security dimensions. Gender equality is influenced and affected by many social institutions: the state, the market, the family (kinship) and the community. Human security also takes gender aspects. The author focuses on the dimensions in human security that influence gender equality. These are violence as a threat to human security and negative influences in achieving gender equality, the needs approach, poverty alleviation and considering women as among the most vulnerable groups in the society. Raising the capabilities of women is essential in achieving gender equality, thus security and participation is needed to guarantee equality and to realise gender equality. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
4. Technology-Mediated Open and Distance Education for Agricultural Education and Improved Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa. Country Case Studies (ED503280)
Alluri, Krishna, Ed.; Zachmann, Rainer, Ed.
Commonwealth of Learning
2008-00-00
Reports - Descriptive
N/A
Descriptors: Foreign Countries; Open Education; Distance Education; Agricultural Education; Technology Uses in Education; Case Studies
Abstract: The Learning for Livelihoods Sector of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) addresses the major challenges related to learning and skills development that are key for living and for improvement of livelihoods. Developing conceptual frameworks, influencing policy, enabling technology-mediated learning, and strengthening networks and partnerships are some of the strategies that COL uses for promoting learning and skills for agricultural development, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection. In this context, COL aims at building individual and institutional capacity in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) combined with open and distance learning (ODL) in the way of technology-mediated open and distance education (Tech-MODE). COL supports learning activities at various levels from grassroots to policy through partnerships with public, private and community-based national, regional and international institutions and organisations involved in agricultural education, extension, research and development. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and international agricultural research centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are key international partners. Anticipating that Tech-MODE will become an essential tool in the delivery of information, knowledge and education in sub-Saharan Africa, COL undertook eight country case studies with the help of national collaborators from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Following a Synthesis of Eight Country Case Studies, Stakes and Challenges for Technology-Mediated Open and Distance Education (Tech-MODE) in Agricultural Education are discussed for: (1) Cameroon; (2) Ghana; (3) Kenya; (4) Nigeria; (5) Sierra Leone; (6) Tanzania; (7) Uganda; and (8) Zambia. Foreword and Country Collaborator information is also included. [Country Collaborators for this report were Ajaga Nji, Collins Osei, Reuben Aggor, Edward Badu, Geoffrey Kironchi, Agnes Mwang'ombe, Adewale Adekunle, Adeolu Ayanwale, Morolake Adekunle, Moses Ubaru, Aliyageen Alghali, Bob Conteh, Edwin Momoh, Camilius Sanga, Ayubu Jacob Churi, Siza Tumbo, Moses Tenywa, Bernard Fungo, Mungule Chikoye and Martin Kaonga.] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
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5. Microfinanciers in Training: Teaching Students to Become Entrepreneurs of Social and Material Capital (EJ793926)
Orcutt, Bonnie L.
New England Journal of Higher Education, v22 n2 p15-16 Fall 2007
2007-00-00
Descriptors: Economic Progress; Higher Education; State Colleges; Disadvantaged; Global Approach; Entrepreneurship
Abstract: Before long, microfinance was, if not a household word, at least a popular term among economists and aid workers denoting a strategy of trying to improve the circumstances of disadvantaged populations by making loans as small as $25 to support microenterprise. At the same time, globalization, diversification and civic engagement were gaining prominence as stated goals of higher education institutions. The Worcester State College created an undergraduate course called "Microfinance: Prospects for Prosperity" which features traditional academic components including exploration of the historical development of microfinance and various models ranging from Muhammad Yunus's Grameen model to village and community banking structures, group lending and individual loans, among others. Additionally, consideration is given to criticisms voiced about whether microfinance is an effective tool for poverty alleviation and whether, as some skeptics have wondered, microfinance generates any lasting impact on economic growth and development. But the course is also uncommonly hands-on. Students build upon the outreach of the college through the development and implementation of real microfinance projects, initially abroad, but more recently in the Worcester community. Students have become entrepreneurs of both social and material capital. Called upon to envision and implement their own microfinance programs to improve the lives of the disadvantaged at home and abroad, they created a WSC-based organization called "MEET: Microfinance, Empowerment, Education and Training." Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
6. Measuring and Understanding the Well-Being of South Africans: Everyday Quality of Life in South Africa (EJ786807)
Higgs, Neil T.
Social Indicators Research, v81 n2 p331-356 Apr 2007
2007-04-00
Descriptors: Poverty; Quality of Life; Marketing; Social Indicators; Foreign Countries; Developing Nations; Probability; Social Capital; Socioeconomic Status; Guidelines; Questionnaires; Evaluation Methods; Comparative Analysis; Services; Delivery Systems; Public Policy
Abstract: South Africa has a Gini co-efficient of 62, one of the world's highest (Finmark: Project FinScope 2004 and 2005, FinMark Trust, Johannesburg). Hence, measures of wealth are ubiquitous social indicators in South Africa. However, a growing emphasis in government towards measurable service delivery targets and remedial action to redress the inequalities of our past makes the reliable measurement of people's quality of life in greater depth in quantitative terms an imperative. We have developed a simple framework to measure people's quality of life in key domains that extend beyond that simply of wealth, using composite indices to allow progress to be tracked and to make valid comparisons across our diverse population. Termed the Everyday Quality of Life Index (EQLi), it comprises a suite of measures encompassing socio-economic status (with special reference to poverty), urbanisation, health (nutrition, exercise and fitness), stress/pressure, quality of the environment, satisfaction of human needs, connectivity, optimism, subjective well-being (happiness, after Diener and Lucas: 2000, in M. Lewis, J.M. Haviland (eds.), Handbook of Emotions. (2nd ed) (Guilford, New York)), and the overall measure of well-being, the EQLi itself. The initial framework was developed from a structured questionnaire administered to a probability sample of 2000 South African adults in 2002. From this, a 52-item shortlist was derived to create the series of measures. This has been tested and refined in three subsequent annual studies, each of 3500 people across urban and rural South Africa. In 2004, items involving work as well as determining the balance of skills and challenges at work using the concept of "flow" (Csikszentmihalyi: 1990, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Harper and Row, New York)) were added. This paper outlines the rationale behind the selection and development of these measures, describes the EQL of South Africans using these and other key measures and concludes with implications for policy-makers and service providers in South Africa. Some marketing implications are also given: there is a growing emphasis worldwide on corporate social investment initiatives and, particularly in South Africa, on community upliftment and development--poverty alleviation and improving the lives of the disadvantaged ("people" rather than "consumers"). Further, people's well-being affects how they react to marketing activities. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
7. Evaluating Mission Drift in Microfinance: Lessons for Programs with Social Mission (EJ761902)
Hishigsuren, Gaamaa
Evaluation Review, v31 n3 p203-260 2007
Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries; Scaling; Methods; Poverty; Agriculture; Banking; Financial Services; Housing; Surveys; Focus Groups; Interviews; Case Studies; Measurement Techniques
Abstract: The article contributes to a better understanding of implications of scaling up on the social mission of microfinance programs. It proposes a methodology to measure the extent, if any, to which a microfinance program with a poverty alleviation mission drifts away from its mission during rapid scaling up and presents findings from a field research using the proposed methodology at Activists for Social Alternatives (ASA), a microfinance organization that serves poor women in rural India. The findings indicate that mission drift is not a result of deliberate decisions by the management or board but rather is a result of the challenges posed by the scaling-up process. At times, changing trends in social outcomes were not obvious, and management was not aware of the changes indicated by the proposed measures of social performance. (Contains 22 tables and 2 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
8. Gender and Rural Employment: A View from Latin America (EJ813737)
Ballara, Marcela
Convergence, v40 n3-4 p239-243 2007
Descriptors: Economic Progress; Temporary Employment; Females; Rural Areas; Foreign Countries; Employment; Poverty; Food; Curriculum; Adult Education
Abstract: The paper focuses on women employment in rural areas and its impacts in food security. The presentation includes data on rural women employment and its different labour strategies: temporary work, non agriculture rural employment and permanent rural employment. Poverty alleviation and its impact on families as well as implications in the economic growth of rural areas are also taken into consideration in the analysis of rural women employment. [Abstract presented in English, Spanish, and French.] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
9. Gender, Literacy and Women's Empowerment in India: Some Issues (EJ813731)
Ghose, Malini
Convergence, v40 n3-4 p193-201 2007
Descriptors: Females; Empowerment; Foreign Countries; Adult Literacy; Sex; Poverty; English; Spanish; French; Access to Education; Adult Education
Abstract: The note discusses some key issues pertaining to gender, literacy and women's empowerment in India. It uses disaggregated data to illustrate the persisting gender disparities with regard to literacy and points out that despite this there is a lack of real political will to address issues of adult literacy. It further draws on data from the micro-credit sector--micro-credit being an important strategy for women's empowerment and poverty alleviation--to show how literacy continues to be a determinant in women's access to leadership opportunities, resources and learning inputs. The article points out that the discourse on gender and literacy is predominantly around issues of access and not as it should be about changing gender relations or looking at gender within areas such as programme design, training, materials etc. The article also underscores the fact that sustaining literacy by creating a robust literacy environment is of critical importance. Drawing on the above the article makes some recommendations. It is based on the ongoing work of Nirantar, a resource centre for gender and education, in India. (Contains 1 note.) [Abstract presented in English, Spanish, and French.] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
10. Ganokendra: An Innovative Model for Poverty Alleviation in Bangladesh (EJ747843)
Alam, Kazi Rafiqul
International Review of Education, v52 n3-4 p343-352 May 2006
2006-05-00
Descriptors: Models; Poverty; Foreign Countries; Females; Rural Population; Program Implementation; Empowerment; Public Agencies
Abstract: Ganokendras (people's learning centers) employ a literacy-based approach to alleviating poverty in Bangladesh. They give special attention to empowering rural women, among whom poverty is widespread. The present study reviews the Ganokendra-approach to facilitating increased political and economic awareness and improving community conditions in line with government initiatives for poverty reduction. Many Ganokendras implement programmes geared towards income-generating activities and establish linkages with other service providers, both governmental and non-governmental. As is shown, one particularly successful strategy for facilitating women's economic empowerment involves co-ordinating micro-credit available through other agencies. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
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