Learning Families Intergenerational Approaches to Literacy Teaching and Learning

“Family literacy and learning presents adults and children with an opportunity to become independent, proactive lifelong learners.”

This compilation showcases examples of promising programmes using intergenerational approaches to literacy teaching and learning. The 26 case studies from 22 countries across the globe showcase the variety of approaches used, as well as some of the challenges and lessons learned in the field of family literacy.

The introduction to the compilation outlines the background and definition of family literacy, and shares some of the overall findings from this compilation. As explained in the introduction, “[T]here is no single and officially accepted definition of the term ‘family literacy’. Nevertheless, intergenerational approaches to literacy and learning share certain aims: they support the learning that happens in the home and in communities; they seek to break down barriers between learning in different contexts; they provide vital support to parents whose own education has been limited for various reasons; and they aim to develop both children’s and adults’ literacy learning.” In addition, “[T]he term ‘literacy’ does not refer just to the acquisition of reading and writing skills but also to language, culture and orality. It is considered a social (inter-)action that is developed between people in different contexts and as a continuous process. The term ‘family learning’ involves broader learning activities beyond literacy in the family and in community contexts. Therefore family literacy and learning is an approach to learning that focuses on intergenerational interactions within the family and community which promote the development of literacy and related life skills. The term ‘family literacy and learning’ can be used to refer to literacy and learning practices within (extended) families as well as to describe an intergenerational educational programme with a focus on literacy and learning.”

Each of the 22 case studies in this compilation includes information on the context and background of the programme, programme aims and objectives, implementation approaches and methods, programme impacts and achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and contact details. The case studies highlight how diverse the programmes are in terms of their aims and objectives, as well as in the different contexts, target groups, and institutional settings and capacities. The majority of the programmes include the most common components of family literacy programmes: adults’ sessions; children’s sessions; and joint sessions bringing adults and children together. Some programmes will, however, include additional activities such as parenting education or train-the-trainer session for parents. Programmes also vary in terms of where they take place, which could be in the home, neighbourhood libraries, community learning centres, or schools.

In terms of impact of the programmes, the report states that “a family-centred and community-based intergenerational approach to learning offers more than just educational benefits. High-quality family literacy and learning programmes prepare adults to succeed as parents and members of the community; enhance bonds and improve relationships between children, young people and adults; strengthen connections between families, schools and community-based institutions; and vitalize neighbourhood networks, ultimately leading to social cohesion and community development.” A family literacy and learning approach is shown to be particularly useful in breaking cycles of low levels of education and literacy skills among disadvantaged families and communities, as it encourages reading, writing, and the acquisition of language skills for all members of a family.

Some of the barriers experienced by the programmes include barriers related to language, distance, gender relations, cultural traditions, and rigid power relationships, which can prevent families from enrolling in programmes and attending them regularly. These barriers are particularly prevalent in rural areas of countries in the South that have high levels of non-literate young people and adults and poorly developed literate environments.

In terms of lessons learned, the case studies indicate that for the approach to be successful and foster a culture of learning, it is important to: provide sustained teacher training; develop a culture of collaboration between institutions, teachers, and parents; and secure sustainable funding through longer-term policy support.

The following is a list of the case studies:

Africa

• Namibia - National Literacy Programme
• Nigeria - Mother and Child Education Programme (MCEP)
• South Africa - The Family Literacy Project
• South Africa - Run Home to Read
• Uganda - Family Basic Education (FABE)
• Uganda - Integrated Intergenerational Literacy Project (IILP)

Arab States

• Bahrain - The Mother-Child Home Education Programme (MOCEP)
• Palestine - The Early Childhood, Family and Community Education Programme

Asia and the Pacific

• Australia - Reading Together
• Nepal - Family Literacy Programme
• New Zealand - The Manukau Family Literacy Project
• Vanuatu - Vanuatu Literacy Education Programme (VANLEP)

Europe and North America

• Canada - Family Literacy Programmes, Training, and Services
• Germany - Family Literacy Project (FLY)
• Ireland - Clare Family Learning
• Malta - Hilti Family Literacy Programme
• Netherlands - VoorleesExpress
• Romania - Parent Empowerment for Family Literacy Project (PEFaL)
• Turkey - Family Literacy Programmes (FLPs)
• United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Bookstart Educational Programme
• United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Prison Family Learning Programme
• United States of America - Students and Parents In Cooperative Education (SPICE) Family Literacy Programme
• United States of America - The Family and Child Education Programme (FACE)

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Colombia - Integral School Literacy Programme
• Guatemala - Integral Family Literacy
• Mexico - Aprendizajes en Familia (Family Literacy Programme)