The Role Of Literacy In The Daily Lives Of Adult Learners With Hearing Impairments In The Khomas, Ohangwena, Omusati And Oshana Regions In Namibia

Abstract

The National Literacy Programme in Namibia (NLPN) was launched in 1992 to promote basic literacy and numeracy for the improvement of the livelihood of adults. Studies seem to neglect the voice of the adult learners with hearing impairments participating in the literacy programmes as well as the deaf parents. This study reckons the need to fill the gap that exists in the knowledge base: How the adult learners with hearing impairments of the NLPN in the Khomas, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshana regions view the role of the programme in their daily lives.

The study used the critical interpretive orientation theory and the qualitative approach grounded on phenomenological design. The researcher and sign language interpreter used one-on-one and semi-structured interviews as the main instruments to collect data from the participants. Data was collected from a total of eighteen (18) adult learners with hearing impairments in the studied regions. A qualitative data analysis paired with typological analysis procedures was used. The researcher analysed, identified, recorded related main ideas, transcribed each interview to find the meaning and wrote a report. The findings of the study revealed evidence that participants in the NLPN are conscious about literacy and are willing to be functionally literate. The findings provided new insights on how literacy programmes and the Directorate of Adult Education could assist participants to acquire knowledge and significant skills necessary in their lives. This study suggests a future research on female and male participation in the NLPN.