4.3.

FINDINGS FROM PROVIDERS' RESPONSES TO QUESTIONNAIRES

4.3.1. Participation of Women in ABE Programs

There seems to be no significant difference between the participation of women and men in ABE programs. Most providers described programs as having fewer than 30 students (see Table 4-6).


Table 4-6: Distribution of Students in ABE Programs by Number and Sex (N =87)
 
   Number of Students Female Male   
  
   1 - 10 26.4% 28.7%   
   11- 20 25.3% 19.5%   
   21-30 16.1% 18.3%   
   31- 40 5.7% 6.9%   
   41-50 5.7% 3.4%   
   51 or more 20.6% 18.4%   

4.3.2. Age of Women in ABE Programs

Providers reported that more young men than young women attend ABE programs, while more older women than older men attend (see Table 4-7). This finding supports the information in Chapter 2 in which it was shown that the rate of functional illiteracy is lower among older women than among older men (see Table 2-1).

Fewer women in the 20 to 24 year age group seem to be participants in ABE programs. This is not surprising given the fact that women in this age group are the most likely to have infant children. In the 31 to 40 age group, more women than men participate in ABE programs. Women of this age are more likely to have school-age children and to have more time in which to upgrade their education.


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