Identifying the Educational Needs of Adult Learners for Socioeconomic Advancement

Access to education is vital for skills training and competence, employment and self-employment, poverty reduction, escape from societal discrimination and abuse, and an increase in self-esteem and involvement in social and economic activities. The education of rural women is the key to achieving their dreams and expectations. However, the majority of rural women lack access to education, and without it, they cannot achieve their dreams. This empirical study explored the expectations and aspirations of rural women in the Qawukeni area of the Eastern Cape, in South Africa, through education to empower them to live their dreams in their communities. The study employed a qualitative, exploratory design, collecting data through interviews. Thirty participants were purposively sampled as information rich participants. The responses and beliefs of rural women in the study highlighted, among other things, inadequate skills training, which has led to social and economic challenges. This paper recommends conducting a needs analysis to meet the learning needs of rural women.