Functional Adult Literacy Levels: Relevance to Women’s Improved Income Generation in Apac District- Northern Uganda

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of women about the levels of skills acquired by Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) -trained women and their ability to improve their financial status and well-being in Apac District, Northern-Uganda. This was a qualitative case study research design centering on the ability of 31 grassroots’ women and selected men who are family members to the women. The study was underpinned by agency principle from and Freire’s literacy theory and Kabeer’s socioeconomic viewpoint which contend on the awareness or conscientisation by making marginalised non-literate women agents for social and economic development. The study established that reading, writing and numeracy skills contributed to consciousness about the skill of bookkeeping by adult women which has played a significant part to improving their ability to participate in income generating activities. To conclude, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD), NGO’s, international donors, as well as civil society organisations, must prioritise and render support in carrying out FAL training.