"Based on the individual and group testimonials from the three countries, it seems clear that a number of changes in people’s lives can indeed be attributed to the ALEF program. Participants themselves link positive changes in health, income generation, agricultural practices and confidence/women’s empowerment to specific lesson content and discussions. There are also many references to group membership as contributing to support, confidence and learning." - Carol Benson and Erina Iwasaki, MLE International
The ALEF method for adult basic education is the the subject of a new report from evaluation and research firm MLE International. MLE's team, led by Dr. Carol Benson of Columbia University, conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of over 400 first-hand testimonials from participants in Uganda, Congo, and Togo.
There is a body of evidence to suggest that literacy alone is not enough to lift people out of poverty. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ALEF's 'empowerment group' approach helps previously illiterate adults translate their new skills and knowledge into real improvement in their lives. In the video below, Carol Benson describes how MLE used specialized data analysis software to identify patterns in participants' stories.
MLE's report confirms the amazing impact ALEF study groups can have on people's lives. They cite examples of men and women who have started sending their children to school, improved their farming methods, started small businesses, and begun to challenge injustices in their families and local communities.
The authors of the report highlight the relevant thematic texts as a crucial factor in the method's success. Each lesson in an ALEF start's with the group reading a realistic text in their mother tongue that addresses a common dilemma or challenge from everyday life. This text then serves as the basis for a structured, democratic discussion in which participants analyze the root causes of the problem and find practical solutions.
"Our analysis of the testimonials suggests that the most significant aspect of ALEF’s program is the topics of the lessons, which provide information and the stimulus to discuss actions in participants’ own lives and in their communities. [...] Participants often refer to the theme-based discussions, which they have clearly used to process the new information, share experiences and ideas and build community within the group. [...] The testimonials provide strong evidence that the ALEF program helps participants to apply their literacy and newfound knowledge, improving their confidence and giving them problem-solving skills."
The full report is available to download here.
You can find more research and evaluations relating to the ALEF method on our Documents page.
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