The Adult Basic Education Program at Umgeni Water, a water authority in South Africa, is a workplace literacy program that seeks to impart skills within the workplace that can be used in community development, benefiting both the business and community involved. From a pilot project in 1989, the adult education program at Umgeni Water has grown…

This research is mainly concerned with the costs of computers in schools in developing countries. It starts with a brief overview of the information revolution and its consequences. It then briefly examines some of the arguments for the use of computers in schools in developing countries, before reviewing previous work undertaken on the costs of…

Discusses the language policy existing in the "New South Africa," which provides for the use of 11 official languages. The article argues that this policy poses challenges and that the development process is complicated by attitudes that indigenous languages are inferior to English and other Western languages. The study explores the…

Responds to the first paper in this journal issue that discusses using dialog about how to conduct studies and organize projects to help enhance educational quality in various settings. This article agrees with issues the paper raises that are crucial to reform efforts but highlights areas that need more detailed discussion between researchers and…

Traces the transformation of Subsaharan Africa during the last 35 years. Contends that the domino effect hastened decolonization and increased polarization within South Africa. Argues that modernization is taking place only in South Africa's core and that the geopolitical framework appears stable but may collapse from within. (NL)

Describes an incremental approach to implementing a Web-based course in higher education based on experiences in South Africa and some in North America. Discusses gradually increasing faculty involvement; faculty support; departmental efforts; the use of email; distance education possibilities; and totally online courses. (LRW)

This paper explores the idea of a complementary alternative to the entrepreneurial university, with special reference to South African higher education. Emphasis is on the contribution of higher education to equitable social renewal of three inter-related issues: (1) changing global conditions and the tensions between high-tech development and…

This comprehensive study explores the chronological and geographical expansion of the assessment of adult and experiential learning--known as AP(E)L--around the world. The authors describe and compare initiatives in their own countries and their effectiveness at the levels of government, educational institutions, and employment. They highlight…

Examined the functioning--under conditions of extreme Third World poverty--of 22 families in which there was a child with severe mental handicap. Found that despite a very restricted cash income, the family units endured, and 79% of the marriages were stable. Results highlight the need for a more informed and sympathetic attitude toward mental…

Argues that efforts to bring a global, multicultural approach to education often neglects gender-related issues. Contends that recent feminist scholarship suggests that recognition of gender as a structuring principle is necessary for understanding the contemporary world. Concludes that women are not only victims but also active participants in…

Examines the role of open and distance learning in South Africa's plans for educational reconstruction and discusses the educational consequences of apartheid. Reviews the delivery of adult basic education and training programs using distance methods. Concludes that some areas are likely to remain inaccessible to all possible modes of delivery.…

This article investigates how training instructors in the South African clothing industry were prepared for their roles as Education, Training and Development Practitioners (ETDPs) by a university adult education programme. The key focus is on how these emerging ETDPs experienced their changing roles, identities and approaches to teaching and the…

The challenges to teacher educators in sub-Saharan Africa are acute. This paper describes how the Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (TESSA) consortium is working within institutional and national policy systems to support school-based teacher professional development. The TESSA consortium (13 African institutions and 5 international…

Inhibitors of growth in education and training in South Africa include the past isolation from the rest of the world, failure to keep up with the rapid development of explosion of knowledge, compulsory dependency on bureaucracy, and disregard of the diverse needs of learners. Various initiatives have been undertaken that reflect the enormous need…

This working paper provides information on 29 U.S. support organizations raising money for South African causes. Usually provided for each organization are a mission statement; a description of program areas and specific activities; and names of directors, trustees, and contacts. The organizations listed are: the Africa Fund; the African Arts…