Reflections on Freirean Pedagogy and the Transformation of Rural Botswana.

Thirty-three selected papers from this conference are available on the "Literacy Online" Web site: http://www.literacyonline.org

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Adult Basic Education; Adult Education; Adult Educators; Adult Literacy; Community Development; Developing Nations; Economic Development; Educational Benefits; Educational Change; Educational Needs; Educational Principles; Educational Theories; Foreign Countries; National Programs; Role of Education; Rural Areas; Rural Education; Social Change; Student Empowerment; Teacher Role

Despite Botswana's commitment to the ideals of democracy and equity, abject and relative poverty are widespread among the country's rural populace. Since Botswana's independence, its rates of poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy have increased. The situation necessitates fundamental changes in the lives of Botswana's rural residents. Such change can be achieved by adopting the Freirean method for Botswana's National Literacy Program. Botswana's present literacy practice does not facilitate criticism of adult learners' current situation or their assumption of the role of agents of change. Freire's methods would enable Botswana's rural literacy learners to engage in democratic practice as Botswana's other citizens do. It has been argued that Botswana's government has skillfully chosen some nonpolitical aspects of the Freirean approach for the Botswana National Literacy Program. Adult educators in Botswana must challenge their students to address the problems in their world. Since its independence, Botswana has had several viable democratic institutions, including the community meeting place and the tradition of farmers working in groups, that can be mobilized to address the social and economic plight of the country's rural residents. Through such institutions, the Freirean approach may be used to empower rural people. (29 references) (MN)

1998

ED416304