Utilizing the participatory empowerment model of evaluation to reflect on lifelong learning and the knowledge economy in South Africa

South Africa, though independent for a decade, still reflects the effects of the apartheid government that had more than half the country receiving minimal education and professional/vocational development. The profound need for education was a tall order not only for a third world country new to the role of governance, but even for thriving industrial countries such as the US. South Africa was fortunate in that it was able to attract and maintain sustained assistance by countries including Britain, Netherlands and Germany. However, external organizations have found their recommendations for solutions or programmatic training weakened by a lack of either research or direct knowledge of on the ground conditions and or needs. South Africa has experienced models or programs that, while successful in their regions, were not effectively geared to the needs in South Africa. These are rendered ineffective and quickly defunct leading to both a loss in money and time. Most small municipalities are unable to stand the stress of such a quick turn around of professional training investment that shows little or refutable outcomes. The participatory empowerment model of evaluation promoted by Dr. David Fetterman of Stanford University addresses many of the issues and problems encountered in the development of a solution for long term training of both an adult and vocational population. This paper will seek to define and discuss these issues in relation to this model and illustrate how it may be applied to promote effective training and sustainability. This will entail a reflection on present day life[long] learning and the knowledge economy and ways they may be informed and transformed by the process derived from each stage of the Participatory Empowerment Model. This paper utilizes interviews with participants of programs that use this model and South African organizations that have difficulty with ongoing sustained professional training.

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Collections of papers presented under each theme are indexed from TD/TNC 81.453 to TD/TNC 81.457; selected papers from this theme are indexed from TD/TNC 81.468 to TD/TNC 81.479. Show less