Adult and Lifelong Learning Initiatives of the Institute of Adult Education in Supporting Marginalized Groups and Gender Equality in Tanzania

Elisiana Eliamini Kinanguka
Institute of Adult Education, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Email: elisiammile@gmail.com

Abstract: Over the years, Tanzania has made great efforts to expand access to adult and lifelong learning through the Institute of Adult Education (IAE). However, it remains unclear how effectively the IAE initiatives meet the real needs of marginalized communities and contribute to greater gender equality. Therefore, this study examines how the IAE has implemented adult and lifelong learning initiatives aimed at supporting marginalized populations and promoting gender equality. It achieved such objective through a mixed-methods approach and the sample size of 196 respondents (adult learners, representatives of genders and marginalized groups, IAE staff members and facilitators, community leaders and partner organization representatives). The data were collected using multiple data collection methods (questionnaire, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings reveal that, the IAE initiatives were generally inclusive and gender sensitive (58%); IAE has made some progress with the actual results or outcomes of the adult and lifelong learning initiatives in supporting marginalized groups and gender equality by 61%, but with some key obstacles such as structural obstacles (68%), cultural and social norms (57%), pedagogical challenges (46%), and financial constraints. The four key areas for action of improvement are improving accessibility (68%), promoting inclusive teaching (66%), engaging communities (56%), and increasing resources (65%). By implementing these strategies, IAE can better support marginalized learners and promote gender equality, aligning its programmes with both local needs and global education goals.