Halifax County (Eastern Shore)

Demographics:

The 47 women surveyed in the Eastern Shore area presented a unique picture amongst the whole group. 26% of this sample were in the age range of 50 years or over. The majority (64%) were married and 36% had young children at home.

The educational levels of these women were the lowest of the entire group. A major proportion (61%) had less than high school graduation and only 7% had completed university.

This group also had the lowest income levels. A startling 46% were on a total family income of less than $10,000 with only 11% on $30,000 or more. As might be expected from this, 56% said they would not have money available for a course but an overwhelming 81% expressed an interest in taking a course. It is also interesting to note that despite the very low incomes of the group, 43% of these women were employed.

Desired Courses:

The five most frequently checked courses were:

It is notable here that 36% of the group expressed a desire for university courses. Access to such courses from this area is severely limited. This group as a whole showed an overwhelming interest in courses of all kinds.

Obstacles:

The most frequently cited problem for this group was inconvenient time scheduling of courses - 66% of the sample quoted this as a problem. Not surprisingly, lack of money available was also high on the list - 62% had a problem with this. Lack of information on courses; desired courses not available; and courses not available part-time were the three other problems most often mentioned.