Enhancing the Provision of Integrated Functional Adult Education Program through Community Engagement: The Case of Mettu University in Oromia National Regional State

Abstract

The aim of the study was toinvestigate the contribution of Mettu University in enhancing the provision of Integrated Functional Adult Education through community engagement in IlubaborZone of Oromia national regional state. The study employed descriptive design and mixed method. Data was collected from 134 respondents selected from IFAE program center facilitators, coordinators, zone and district education offices, and Mettu University staff.Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in this study. Questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussion were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative information was analyzed by using frequency count and percentage, and the qualitative information were expressed through descriptive statements, interpreted and supplemented with the quantitative data.The major findings of the study were:Mettu University limited itself to the training given inside the university; the academic staff of AECD department of Mettu University engaged with the IFAE program in IlubaborZone only via student practicum and not through academic staff engagement; there is lack of organized communication channel of zone and district education offices withinMettu University with regards to community engagement. It can be concluded that the contribution of Mettu University to enhance the provision of IFAE program is low, and it is limited to the academic setting. It is therefore suggested thatthe academic and non-academic staff of the University should recognize the potential and contributions of instructors; the University should integrate issues of IFAE in its community engagement practices; it should also create an opportunity in which both its university teachers and students can provide service learning in the area of IFAE to enhance the provision of IFAE through community engagement.