Indigenous Education and Literacy Learning

Dramatic world economic changes have led many developing countries to reassess their varied educational programs as well as the costs and benefits that pertain to them. Some specialists have focused their attention on the relationship between education and functional literacy as primary forces behind labor productivity and economic development, while others have sought to understand the internal efficiency of the entire educational system. Still others have argued that alternative educational programs—beyond those of the formal public sector—are the best way to reach those most in need of additional training and are the most cost effective.

Nonformal educational programs have achieved a certain amount of credibility in developing countries, but few of these programs have been based (at least in contemporary times) on indigenous forms of schooling. This paper reviews the scope and possibilities of such forms of schooling, with a particular focus on literacy learning and instruction in Africa and the Middle East. Attention will also be given to how indigenous schools can constitute a potentially cost-effective way of reaching more students, and teaching basic skills [author]