Literacy levels of People between 15 and 45 years of age in Ng'ombe residential area of Lusaka Urban District

The main purpose of the dissertation was to establish the literacy levels of people
between 15 and 45 years of age in Ng'ombe residential area of Lusaka Urban District.
The study specifically tried to answer the questions raised. The study utilized a combination of both qualitative and quantitative paradigms. Nonrandom
sampling method, specifically purposive sampling technique, was used to select
respondents. The total sample comprised 108 respondents who responded to questionnaires and took part in the interviews. Both men and women were included in the sample. Participants were drawn from Old and New Ng'ombe residential areas as well as
from the Ministries of Education and Community Development and Social Services.
The study revealed that literacy levels of people between the ages of 15 and 45 years in
Ng'ombe residential area were low. The two existing Government Basic Schools were
unable to cater for the educational needs of both the young and adults in Ng'ombe
residential area. Although there were private and community schools to supplement the two Government schools, the researcher was doubtful as to whether the type of education offered was of acceptable standard.
The study also revealed that although there had been numerous official statements
concerning literacy by the Zambian Government, there was no consistent and coordinated policy on literacy. Without policy, organization of such a programme cannot fully succeed. The study made several recommendations on how literacy levels of people in Ng'ombe could be raised.