The provision of adult education in Ethiopia: ‘policy initiatives and practice’ in focus from qualitative findings – A meta synthesis study

Abstract

This study was conducted to build evidence-based research about the provision of Ethiopian adult education. Therefore, the main purpose of this meta-synthesis study was to upsurge understanding from empirical facts and give evidence-based research regarding the provision of adult education in Ethiopia from the standpoint of policy and practice a wide-ranging spotlight. In doing so, sample qualitative studies were searched and selected from databases using search terms. To find all the relevant primary studies on adult education to this investigation, both electronic and manual search strategies were utilised using the PRISMA (2009) guideline. According to this meta-synthesis result, Ethiopia has had three distinct political systems of government since the 1941, when adult education has been habituated into modern education with erratic emphasis. Each was defined by its approach to education policy. Sometimes adult education in all eras of government is used to spread political ideologies, rather than to directly benefit adult learners, who are the primary audience and effect good change. Although many policies and directives have been implemented to support the provission of adult education programs in the country, the actual effort and outcome are still merely symbolic. To conclude, the adult education policies should be revisited and formulated to reflect the creation of holistic development in all adult learners to be competent citizens and critical thinkers, stand for social justice, peace, and unity in diversity.

Keywords

• Adult education
• Challenge and opportunity
• Ethiopia
• Qualitative findings
• Policy initiatives
• Practice