Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil.
The purpose behind the training of life skills is to develop a balanced and
assertive person that will have the knowledge and ability to solve everyday
problems in an effective and appropriate manner. It was important that an
effective method for the training of illiterate people in life skills, using
participation and empowerment was found. By making use of more
empowering techniques and the participation of the marginalised person, in
this case, the illiterate person, the practice model developed will enable the
illiterate adult to take control of their own growth and education in terms of life
skills.
This study was used to determine how to maximise empowerment with
illiterate adults by effectively training them in life skills that would optimally
empower them. The practice model which was developed, as discussed in
chapter 6 is seen as the researcher's contribution to the body of knowledge.
The primary goal of this study was to develop a practice model for facilitators
of life skills training programmes for illiterate adults. Because of the high
illiteracy figures in South Africa and the need for life skills training for illiterate
people with the aim of empowering them, the need for such a practice model
was clear.
The research strategy that was followed was qualitative in nature. The
researcher used the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to
conduct the research. The PAR approach was selected because of the
involvement that respondents have in all parts of the research with that
approach. The PAR approach has four cycles namely planning, action,
observation and reflection and was used as a guideline throughout the
research. Each of these cycles exists independently and the cycles follow
each other in a spiral or cycle. Figure 1 is a graphical representation of the
PAR cycles followed in the research to achieve the research results.