Functional Adult Literacy is the approach that provides skills in reading, writing and numeracy integrated with practical knowledge and skills. Learning is participatory so as to motivate the Adult Learners to continue searching for knowledge and skills that will help them to improve on whatever activities they are engaged in for betterment of their lives and the communities where they live.

Functional Adult Literacy in Uganda
FAL started in 1992 as pilot project in the 8 districts of Apac, Hoima, Kabarole, Mbarara, Mukono, Mpigi, Kamuli and Iganga. Using the lessons learned from the pilot phase, the Functional Adult Literacy Programme has been expanded to all the 56 districts in a planned, systematic and controlled manner.

In the year 2001, the government came up with a 5-year Strategic Investment Plan 2001-2007 (NALSIP) which is currently being implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Current Situation
Currently Functional Adult Literacy is a government priority programme to implement the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) as the National Planning Frame-work for development in Uganda. As such, there is a strong emphasis on income generating activities in the Curriculum.

Since it started, 1,200,000 learners have been trained through the programme. They lie between 15 – 60+ years old. Enrolment figures have been rising over the years and currently the enrolment stands at 412,689 learners.

Aims of the Programme
The aim of the programme is to impart literacy and numeric skills to the poor and vulnerable groups that will help them to effectively participate in the economic growth and development process at the community level.

The Vision of FAL Programme
A literate, well-informed and prosperous society.

The Mission of FAL Programme
To increase peoples access to information and participation in Self, Community and National development.

Objectives of the Programme
• To reduce Adult Literacy rate;
• To build capacity of Adult Learners to use literacy and numeracy skills in improving their income generating activities;
• To build a culture of life long learning at the Community level;
• To promote Functional Adult Literacy skills training among non-literate youths, Adults, Persons with Disability and the Elderly; and
• To increase Adult Learners ability to make informed decisions.

Areas of Cooperation with UNESCO
UNESCO is currently funding the development of Non-formal Education Management Information System (NFEMIS).

FAL Programme forms the biggest proportion of Non-Formal Education in Uganda. Therefore FAL will definitely benefit in the area of Data management. UNESCO has earmarked $20,000 for the project, which is now on going.

Achievements of the Programme
• Learning needs assessment has been conducted in different regions of the country;
• Developed Functional Adult Literacy primers and follow up readers in twenty one local languages;
• Developed training manuals for literacy instructors and supervisors;
• Trained 20,000 literacy instructors and supervisors;
• Enrolled 1,200,000 learners and established 20,000 learner centers;
• Distributed 10,000 budges and 10,500 bicycles to literacy instructors;
• Decentralised finances to districts as conditional grants;
• Developed guidelines for continuous assessment of Adult learners achievements;
• Developed guidelines for implementation of FAL.

Literacy/learning Centers
Most literacy centers are not purposely built, or indeed even build. In many villages, learning takes place outside under a tree or in some ones backyard, others use churches, mosques, community halls, or even formal school class-room of primary schools.
Conditions of learning are much better with plenty of space and seats for those who use classrooms as compared to those who learn from under trees.
FAL materials
Learning materials have been produced and distributed in the following languages:

Major challenges of the programme
• Lack of incentives for instructors.
• Inadequate supply of Literacy materials. The learner primer ratio is 1:15.
• Limited financial support towards the development of FAL – Management Information System.

Future Plans of FAL
• Develop National Policy on Adult Learning;
• Develop fully functional FAL Management Information System;
• Integrate psycho-social support/counselling into FAL programme;
• Human resource development;
• Information, communication and Advocacy to enhance National Commitment to the programme;
• Develop National accreditation framework;
• Enhance access for Literacy services for people with special learning needs;
• Establish community village libraries to promote a literate environment for the new literates;
• Research and programme development;
• Establish monitoring and evaluation system with an objective to create a culture of information within FAL;
• Achieve a 50% improvement in levels of literacy by 2015 especially for women and equitable access to basic and continuing education for all Adults.