Abstract

Liberation and critical theories of education believe in the political nature of all types of education. 'The school' in the third world is 'oppressive' because it creates and perpetuates 'western-style' class hierarchies. As such, nothing good will be secured at the marginalized groups without a drastic shift in their socioeconomic and political condition. Consciousness-raising non-formal adult education is 'liberation education' aimed specifically for the disenfranchised rural poor. It helps them develop skills to discover the oppressive elements in their lives, become aware of the causes of their destitution, and empower them to take action to transform their realities. Previous studies have demonstrated such programs have been successful in emancipating the poor; this evaluative study of liberation education in southern Ethiopia has also proven to help the target population develop a critical consciousness regarding their impoverished and oppressed conditions and help empower them to work towards changing their lives.