Literacy and Family Planning Education in Rural Ghana.
Emmanuel D. K. Fiagbey · Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy · 1998
This article discusses the viability of the Literacy Learning Approach as a means of promoting literacy and modern contraception in Ghana. The program relies on flip charts that picture ideal family life and include short sentences illustrated pamphlets and colorful posters displayed in strategic sites. The Literacy Learning Program was an innovation that evolved out of a 3-year pilot on mass media support for adult education. The project included a baseline survey of knowledge practice and attitudes and the development of mass media messages. The messages stimulated awareness and knowledge of family planning encouraged positive attitudes toward family planning promoted contraceptive use discouraged teenage pregnancy promoted the education of girls and delaying marriage and informed about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. Materials were developed to carry the messages: flip charts posters pamphlets radio spots and video plays. The program trained literacy facilitators who would teach literacy educate about fertility reduction and distribute contraceptives. Ghana provides a multi-tiered system of family planning service delivery that ranges from formal structures to community-based distributors. A literacy facilitator who is usually a woman distributes contraceptives and teaches literacy and value orientation in small groups. Facilitators also provide individual counseling. The facilitator is an information broker who is recognized and accepted by the community. Rapport is important for people who do not usually share highly personal information. Refresher training is provided after 6 months. Facilitators receive a supervisory visit monthly. After 15 months of operation there is demonstrated interest in buying contraceptives.