The post-literacy perceptions of newly literate adult learners at a rural community learning centre

Abstract

Literature suggests that post-literacy (PL) is a seriously under-researched field in most African countries including South Africa. Various authors emphasise the importance of PL to prevent relapsing into illiteracy, the applicability of PL in enhancing everyday private and occupational life, as well as the potential contribution of PL to poverty reduction, social, economic and political development and in sustaining communities. However, PL is often not viewed as a government priority. Consequently a gap exists between what PL programmes offer, and what the newly literate adults may need. The aim of this study was to identify the PL perceptions of newly literate adults in a PL programme at a Community Learning Centre in the Western Cape of South Africa. A small scale study collected qualitative data through ten semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that a learner-centred PL programme may be required which focuses mainly on non-formal and vocational programmes for developing individual literacy and sustaining the community and its economic development.