Abstract
M.Ed.
The study aimed at investigating the role played by ABET programmes in the
development of rural black women in the Mkhuhlu area. The study was to
determine whether the ABET programmes that are provided in the area are
offering relevant education that helps the women of the area in their development.
In-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen female learners. Interviews,
observation and documentation were used as methods for data collection.
The research findings established that the ABET programmes provided in the area
are not providing the relevant skills needed to develop the women participants.
The programmes that are offered concentrate on literacy and numeracy, and it
would seem not to be very effective in making a difference to the women's lives.
The women that were interviewed have not yet improved their quality of life. They
need skills that can help them generate an income to improve their living
conditions. The study, in summary, established that the programmes offered by
the ABET centres would be more effective if skills training is included to uplift and
improve the lives of the participants on a social, economical as well as educational
level.