Community Engagement and Adult Education Programmes for Strategic Pathways of Building a Skilled and Inclusive Society in Rivers State

Abstract

The study examined Community Engagement and Adult Education Programmes for Strategic Pathways of Building a Skilled and Inclusive Society in Rivers State, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 2, 543 registered members of youth associations and women organizations in ten (10) randomly selected communities in Eleme and Tia Local Government Areas of Rivers State, the instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled: “Community Engagement through Adult Education Programmes for Strategic Pathways of Building a Skilled and Inclusive Society Questionnaire” (CETAEPSPBSISQ). Both primary and secondary sources of data were used in this study. The questionnaire comprises of two (2) sections, A and B. Section A generated demographic information of the respondents while section B had items addressing the research questions and eliciting Very High Extent (VHE) = 4points, High Extent (HE) = 3points, Low Extent (LE) = 2points, and Very Low Extent (VLE) = 1point responses. Decision rule for the research questions was based on a criterion mean of 2.50. Any mean response of 2.50 and above was regarded as high extent and was accepted while mean response rating less than 2.50 is regarded as low extent and was rejected. Additionally, the calculated z-value is less than the critical z-value (1.96), the hypothesis was accepted. Contrarily, when the calculated z-value is more than the critical z-value (1.96), the hypothesis was rejected. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others Government and stakeholders should actively involve communities in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of adult education programmes to ensure they address local needs and promote an inclusive society.