The role played by non-governmental organizations in the fight against illiteracy in Uganda: a case study of World Vision Uganda (Kapeeka & Namusaale Sub Counties) Nakaseke District during 2005-2009

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the role played by NGOs in fighting against illiteracy, with particular reference to World Vision Kapeeka and Namusaale ADPs in Nakaseke District. The objectives of the study were to find out; the criteria used by World Vision in selecting beneficiaries; to find out the kind of educational support provided by World Vision to the beneficiaries; and to find out the constraints facing World Vision in fighting against Illiteracy. The study employed a case study design and recruited (90) project beneficiaries, (20) project staff from Namusaale and Kapeeka sub counties. The participants were selected using stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques respectively. The data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and documentary review or analysis. Findings indicated that World Vision selected beneficiary children basing on a number of benchmarks that included parental status of the beneficiary, recommendation by the church, school recommendation, bias on the girl child and community recommendation of children from impoverished homes. The organization supports the education of these children by paying for them school fees, giving them scholastic materials, organizing for the placement of those who have undergone vocational training as well as give them a start up kit. However, the study also established that the organization is constrained by unreliability of funds, negative attitude of parents/guardians towards education and have often withdrawn their children from school, among others. The study recommended voluntary organizations in Uganda to emulate the very good gesture, World Vision has so displayed in the country in assisting the children to go to school with little funding leading to nurturing youths who have hopes for a bright future, among others.