To What Extent Can Higher Education in Developing Nations Give Leadership in Nonformal Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Nonformal education is any organized, systematic learning activity carried on outside the formal educational system and usually focused on improving participants' social and personal living, occupational capability, or vocational competency. Because it offers opportunity and participation to all in a non-threatening atmosphere and promotes rapid individual, group, and societal growth, nonformal education is appropriate for developing nations, providing a second chance for schooling for those who missed formal education. Federal, state, district, and local governments and international organizations should fund nonformal education and higher education should provide material and human resources. Developing nations should implement nonformal education programs at national, regional, and local levels. At the local level, nonformal programs should include teacher recruitment and training in the program's objectives, philosophy, methods, and organizational structure. Prior to local implementation, the program planning committee should identify local needs, program purpose, and execution plans, and teachers should discuss the purpose and objectives with participants. Local and community workshops run by experts in various fields should be accompanied by practical demonstrations of skill areas and by national campaigns including rural radio broadcasts, posters, and mobile educational films. Mexico's Plan Puebla and Tanzania's Education for Self Reliance are among the case studies that prove the success of nonformal education in developing nations. (SB)