Authors :
Chileshe Kambikambi; Ramalakshmi Chelliah; Keerthi Hanusha Sudarsanam
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/59nf6mej
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/pshrcfwd
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1709
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Abstract :
This article provides a comprehensive review of the impact of adult literacy programs on individuals and
societal development in Kitwe District, located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Despite the growing recognition of
adult literacy as a key factor in fostering personal empowerment, economic growth, and social cohesion, limited research
outcomes has been noticed on literacy initiatives within Kitwe. This review synthesizes existing literature on adult literacy
in Zambia, with a particular focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Kitwe residents. The article
explores various dimensions of impact, including socio-economic outcomes, health improvements, gender empowerment,
and community development. Additionally, it examines the effectiveness of different literacy program models such as
community-based, government-led, and NGO-driven—while considering the role of socio-cultural and economic factors in
shaping program success. The review also identifies significant gaps in the literature, particularly in relation to long-term
impact assessments, the integration of technology, and the inclusion of marginalized groups such as women and
individuals with disabilities. By addressing these gaps, the article contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the
potential of adult literacy programs in promoting sustainable development in Kitwe, and provides recommendations for
improving program design and policy implementation. The findings have implications for practitioners, policymakers, and
researchers seeking to enhance adult literacy initiatives in urban and peri-urban settings across Zambia and other similar
locations.
Keywords :
Adult Literacy, Individual Empowerment, Societal Development, Zambia, Kitwe District, Copperbelt, Economic Development, Social Integration, Community Development.
References :
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- Bourdieu, P. (1986), Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste, Routledge.
- Chanda, A. (2021), Gender, Literacy, and Empowerment: A study of Adult Literacy Programs in Kitwe, Zambia, Lusaka: Zambia University Press.
- Chirwa, E. (2019), Economic Empowerment through Literacy: A case study of Kitwe District in the Copperbelt Province, Journal of African Development Studies, 32(3), 44-60.
- Kabwe, M. (2018), The Role of Adult Literacy in Community Development in Kitwe. Zambian Journal of Adult Education, 15(2), 99-110.
- Knowles, M.S. (1980), The Modern Practice of Adult Education: From Pedagogy to Andragogy, Cambridge Adult Education.
- Mezirow, J. (1991), Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning, Jossey – Bass.
- Ministry of Education (2021), Education Sector Strategic Plan 2017-2021, Ministry of Education, Zambia.
- Muleya, N. (2020), Impact of adult literacy on health outcomes in Zambia: A case of Kitwe District. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 13(1), 58-72.
- Mweemba, F. (2022), The intersection of adult education and gender equality in Zambia. Lusaka: Women Empowerment Foundation.
- Putnam, R.D. (2000), Bowling Alone; The Collapse and Revival of American Community, Simon & Schuster.
- Sen, A. (1999), Developments as Freedom, Alfred A. Knopf
- Zambia Development Agency. (2021), Economic development and literacy: The Role of Adult Education in Zambia’s Copperbelt Region. Lusaka: ZDA Report.
This article provides a comprehensive review of the impact of adult literacy programs on individuals and
societal development in Kitwe District, located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Despite the growing recognition of
adult literacy as a key factor in fostering personal empowerment, economic growth, and social cohesion, limited research
outcomes has been noticed on literacy initiatives within Kitwe. This review synthesizes existing literature on adult literacy
in Zambia, with a particular focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Kitwe residents. The article
explores various dimensions of impact, including socio-economic outcomes, health improvements, gender empowerment,
and community development. Additionally, it examines the effectiveness of different literacy program models such as
community-based, government-led, and NGO-driven—while considering the role of socio-cultural and economic factors in
shaping program success. The review also identifies significant gaps in the literature, particularly in relation to long-term
impact assessments, the integration of technology, and the inclusion of marginalized groups such as women and
individuals with disabilities. By addressing these gaps, the article contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the
potential of adult literacy programs in promoting sustainable development in Kitwe, and provides recommendations for
improving program design and policy implementation. The findings have implications for practitioners, policymakers, and
researchers seeking to enhance adult literacy initiatives in urban and peri-urban settings across Zambia and other similar
locations.
Keywords :
Adult Literacy, Individual Empowerment, Societal Development, Zambia, Kitwe District, Copperbelt, Economic Development, Social Integration, Community Development.
