ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: A study carried out by National Education and Training Commission identified seven factors for the failure of adult literacy programmes in producing desired results.

The study covering all the adult literacy programmes functioning in the country, revealed, that adult literacy is a complex process of social engineering requiring competent and dedicated people working towards socio-economic development of the country.

Absence of political will and failure to secure favour of political parties and their local leaders was one of the main factors that led to the failure of adult literacy programmes in Pakistan.

Pakistan lacked the expertise required to conceive, scientifically plan and vigorously implement the programmes.

The study concluded that programmes were conceived, formulated and administered by people who had no prior training or experience in the field.

The programmes did not have proper and interesting curriculum and experts were neither asked nor involved in search and production of literacy materials.

Policy of ad hocism, was another major factor that resulted in the failure of the programmes. There was lack of continuity and commitment and campaigns and drives were undertaken on as is where is basis.

The programmes also lacked organisational infrastructure at provincial/regional/local levels to undertake planning and management of literacy programmes. The study said, it is yet to be seen how far the provincial governments can implement the recommendations of the Adult Literacy Policy.

The study disclosed that many of the adult literacy programmes launched were terminated without any evaluation. While others were discontinued on account of shortage or non- availability of funds.

What can help adult literacy programme achieve success is the will and intention of the political parties to bring a positive social change in the society.

The study said political parties did not take the responsibility of mobilising masses in their constituencies for literacy drives or motivating people for literacy classes and supervising the performance of the teachers working at these centres.

In the absence of patronage of political leadership, literacy programmes remained the sole assignment of poorly supported commissions and unequipped machinery. Attendance at literacy centres was low since teachers themselves failed to motivate and mobilise the community.

The study identified that administrative failure of the traditional planners, technocrats, educationists and financial experts was partly responsible for the failure of the programmes.

It said because of their covert and disguised opposition, the adult literacy sector has not been able to prove its usefulness.