Grandmothers: a Learning Institution

To what extent are development programmes overlooking the potential role of older women, or 'grandmothers', as valuable resources in children's education? This paper examines evidence regarding the role of grandmothers in children's development, particularly in terms of education, in Africa, Asia, Latin America,the Pacific, Aboriginal Australia, and Native North America. It argues that grandmothers have considerable experience and influence related to all aspects of child development, and they are strongly committed to promoting the wellbeing of children, their mothers and families. The paper highlights programmes around the world that have explicitly involved grandmothers and explores in some detail the case of Helen Keller International in Mali. Conclusions include: there is limited documentation of grandmothers' roles in child development; grandmothers play an important role in transmitting cultural values and practices to younger generations; in many non-Western societies, grandmothers play an important role in child-rearing, but few child development programmes involve grandmothers. The paper recommends that teacher awareness of grandmothers' role and potential contribution should be increased; grandmothers' knowledge should be drawn on to inform children's learning about their culture and history; and grandparents should be included in school governing processes.